Written on the wind is a great melodrama directed by Douglas Sirk. Sirk was a major inspiration to many directors including Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and even Todd Haynes. Sirk made many melodramas, dealing with relationships, and all the emotions of human life.
Written on the Wind is a glossy, technicolor picture from 1956, and it is filled with these such emotions. The story is about a Texas oil family, and their life long friend Mitch Wayne (Rock Hudson). Mitch introduces Kyle (Robert Stack) to Lucy (Lauren Bacall). Kyle, the rich playboy son of the family instantly takes a liking to Lucy and marries her almost as quickly. Of course, Mitch is jealous and hurt, but as a friend, he gracefully accepts it. Mitch is constantly being pursued by the daughter Marylee, however her reputation as a tramp has forever turned Mitch off of his childhood friend. As Kyle falls further into alcoholism, a severe jealousy arises in him, because his father has always like Mitch more. Kyle suspects that Mitch and Lucy are secretly in love, and so the lives of all the characters begin to spiral out of control.
The gripping conclusion is both unexpected, and poignant.
7.5/10
