Director : Orson Welles
Cast : Joseph Cotten, Dolores Costello, Anne Baxter, Tim Holt, Agnes Moorehead

The Official Tagline of the movie is 'From the Man who Made "The Best Picture of 1941" '.Mentioning Not only of that year's , but considered as one of the best movies ever - Citizen Kane. After this classic, Welles made a movie based on the family values and human relationships of that era. 'The Magnificent Ambersons' is not only about the magnificence of the Ambersons but also the deterioration of their values and relationships. The story is very simple but handled with complexity such that sometimes it tends to shy away from the basic story. My problem with the movie is that it tends to be technically brilliant, great camerawork, great editing, great sets, even great acting, but the heart and soul of a movie - The story is given secondary treatment IMO. Orson Welles who is not only the director but also the narrator of the movie lacked in that aspect. Thus, you do not feel for the characters of the movie, you don't get involved in their emotional turbulence, you just are restricted to praising it's sets, camerawork, costumes and acting. Also, it might be boring for some viewers and may be considered as a substitute for sleeping pills.

Acting is a strong aspect of the movie, right from Orson Welles's best friend Joseph Cotten, to a very bright Tim Holt. From a hyper Agnes Moorehead to a restrained and graceful Dolores Costello. I would suggest this movie for viewers who view cinema as an art or who love the different aspects of film-making. But for an average movie-lover, staying away would be the option.

Rating : 6/10