Lilith [DVD]

The opening credits of "Lilith" are accompanied by a haunting, jazz-inflected score and beautiful artwork / graphics. This film is the kind of art house / intellectual / European-influenced picture that went out of vogue after the 1960's. "Lilith" provides an accurate depiction of what was then referred to as an "asylum"; Poplar Lodge could be more precisely described as a "plush sanatorium". It's the kind of mental institution that would have caught the eye of Diane Arbus; at one point, there's shot of empty white wicker chairs on the spacious front lawn. The patients have too much time on their hands, and no-one's having any fun.Having also seen Jean Seberg in "Breathless", and "Bonjour Tristesse", I conclude that "Lilith" is the superior performance of those three films. It is a complicated role worthy of Seberg's talents, to which she brings nuances of expression (both verbally and non-verbally), depth of feeling, and an understanding of the Lilith's "rapture" (the term "rapture", it is explained in the picture, meant "madness" in Shakespearean times). As Lilith carefully observes Vincent (Warren Beatty), her face remains mysterious, impenetrable. She exhibits a strange, predatory interest in pre-pubescent boys, that may be related to the death of her brother; that event probably being the one that sent her to the asylum. Water and Lilith's fascination with it is an ongoing metaphor, be it a quiet stream, a raging river, or an aquarium; a metaphor for the patient in danger of "going under". In Chapter Four of this DVD, the atmosphere of the staff meeting is poetic, as Dr. Lavrier (James Patterson) presents the latest theories about schizophrenia. Dr. Lavrier reveals that schizophrenia is not just a condition of the superior mind, but one that also one that affects non-humans; animals, even insects.Warren Beatty gives a mature, credible performance as Vincent, reflecting his compassion, confusion, and reflective torment, caused by his "principles". But once Vincent realizes that he has fallen in love with Lilith (the staff warns him that patients and staff have been known to fall in love with each other), all objectivity is lost. Vincent may even have as many secrets as Lilith. At one point she asks him, "What was your mother like?"; Vincent doesn't answer. Jessica Walter and Gene Hackman, in the supporting roles of Laura and Norman, portray a couple stuck in a bleak marriage; Laura being Vincent's ex-girlfriend. Vincent visits them one night, and the stilted conversation reveals how ill-suited their lifestyle is for romantic, unconventional Vincent. Kim Hunter is also excellent as Dr. Brice, and this is the best work by Peter Fonda (Stephen Evshevsky) that I've ever seen.In closing, the following quote by Lilith (speaking to Vincent) sums up the essence of the film: "You're ill at ease, and adventurous people are always a little ill at ease, they're shy. They aren't bold the way people think they are. They go stumbling around, breaking things, being scolded. Always looking for a place where they feel they'll belong. They have that crooked look, of not really matching anything."Stephen C. BirdAuthor, "To Be to Is to Was"

I want others to tap into the rich literary tradition that this film exhibits for its age. One way to do this is to read Janet Howe Gaines' article on the biblical archeology of Lilith. Here is a quote from her work."Until the seventh century C.E., Lilith was known as a dangerous embodiment of dark, feminine powers. In the Middle Ages, however, the Babylonian she-demon took on new and even more sinister characteristics. ... She is destructive, she can fly and she has a penchant for sex. Yet this tale adds a new twist: She is Adam’s first wife, before Eve, who boldly leaves Eden because she is treated as man’s inferior."Given the existence of the Lilith myth since the days of Gilgamesh, this movie should be seen as an exploration of human sexuality and the brokenness that can result from the scars of war, love, and forbidden fruit. This movie and no doubt the book is based upon is an artist's exploration of the emotional contours of manhood, boyhood, desire, war, loneliness, jealousy and a women's role in love and society. How many of today's movies reach this level of human introspection. I watched this movie after seeing Easy Rider, and it was the better inv STM’s this of my time.

When I was a few years younger(13) I had the pleasure of meeting Jean Seberg and her family in the Lutheran Church in Marshalltown, IA. She just finished filming St. Joan and was visiting her parents who owned Sebergs Pharmacy there. My Grandparents and her folks, Ed and Dorothy (I think) were friends thru church and the pharmacy. Grandma arranged it for me to sit next to Jean the whole service. It was quite an experience for me to say the least. OK not exactly a review.

The story sounded good, and the pictures made it look like a thriller. But the movie moved slowly, was confusing, and a bit boring. Maybe I'm just a spoiled 21st century movie-goer.

Haven't seen this phone originally in film class, back in the 70s, I remembered for Warren Beatty's good looks and a very sophisticated story. It was one of Professor Andrew Sarris's favorite films. I was brightest at the level of artistry and book the story, acting and directions. Subtle, slowly paced, it seems very European, kind of like an Antonioni masterpiece. I could not have enjoyed it any more. Jean Seberg is mesmerizing and Beatty is at the peak of his star power.

One of the most important films ever made. The list of mega stars involved in this project is staggering. The information listed as to the running time from most resourcs is 114 minutes. When we saw in the theatre when it first came out.....we think it was longer than that. If anyone knows whether or not a Director's Cut was ever made...it would be nice to know.

a tired and dated story with lovely actors who save themselves their acting capability till the very end of the film. the camerawork was excellent, but at the end....I was glad it was over.

Jean Seberg always had a somber way of acting but she had talent. Warren Beatty seemed to always play the selfish spoiled pretty boy. It was a sad hopeless movie I thought.

Gran bel film immagine chiara molto moderno nonostante sia datato. Da vedere se vi piace il genere psicolgicdrama

Es una película trascendente con un significado que no todo el mundo tiene el entendimiento para comprender y sentir. Es una de las películas que más me gusta en mi vida, simplemente no te puedes perder!

Presentation soignée,livraison rapide,produit en excellent état. Je suis très satisfaite et contente de cet achat. Merci beaucoup et à bientôt.

While "The Hustler" is director Robert Rossen's most famous film, and, indeed, it is a very good film, I think that "Lilith" is by a long way the more interesting (I can't say that it is any better or worse than The Hustler because the two are so different). True, it is harder to sympathise with any of the main characters than is the case with The Hustler, unless, of course you have personal experience with mental health care, but for me it was one of those movies that at the end of it you just can't let it go. It is profoundly tragic and a must see for fans of 1960's cinema. Definitely one of my all-time-favorite movies.

Attention, perle rare du cinéma. Ce film de Robert Rossen a tous les ingrédients du film psychologique, mais dépasse le canevas classique. Recommandé par LD (lire sa superbe chronique), je m'étais empressé de trouver l'édition anglaise (hélas aujourd'hui en rupture de stock). L'édition Wild Side, comme il l'a été écrit, ne présente que la version originale sous-titrée en français, alors que l'édition anglaise présentait également des sous-titres en anglais. Ce film de Robert Rossen, je voulais à nouveau le voir dans de meilleures conditions. C'est un film admirable bien entendu, et l'on est saisi non seulement par la mise en scène impeccable mais aussi par le jeu des acteurs, fort convaincants. Jean Seberg et Warren Beatty crèvent littéralement l'écran. L'histoire importe peu au final, même si l'on suit sans problème le récit. Une rencontre. Mais au delà de ça, le film est tout simplement une sacrée leçon de cinéma qui se doit d'être vue par le plus grand nombre.