Reviews

Cliffhangar is a true gem in the action movie genre. Action movies have become stagnant and clichéd in a gradual downward spiral since this film. Who could ignore Stallone's colossus of a performance or not cower in fear of the greatest villain of all time, played charismatically and viciously by John Lithgow. Unlike his most famous other role, "Rocky" Stallone's diction was easily discernible and even, sometimes, quite apt. Mountains themselves could never be as timeless as the roller-coaster, nail-biting, thrill a minute, powerhouse of a picture that is: Cliffhangar.

Cliffhangar is so good no critic could possibly do it justice. That's why they haven't, ignore them all. Simply watch: Cliffhangar.

Against every preconception I could think of, I loved this film. Gervaise is not only an interesting parable which rightly exposes the us to the dangers of drink, but making Maria Schell the protagonist casts the light of feminism into the equation. There is no way to ignore this interpretation either given Schell's brilliantly righteous performance as Gervaise.

Her husband is a drunken fool, no longer able to bring in money to support his family following an accident François Perier plays a drunk worryingly convincingly, but Gervaise is far from helpless. She puts up with the incessant tirade of abuse, womanising and eventually the violence. She is vulnerable yet forceful, respected but never entirely respectful. Nonetheless she is a protagonist and she isn't without her flaws. Her forgiveness of her husband cannot be criticised; we mustn't forget that we're watching a film about the second empire. The issues however are increasingly relevant. Both to Clement as a director in the 1950's and to anyone who decides that picking up a bottle can only harm the consumer.