The Postman Always Rings Twice: A Minor Chore or a Timeless Classic?

When it comes to classic films, our expectations can sometimes be the source of disappointment. Such is the case with 'The Postman Always Rings Twice,' a film that has been hailed as a masterpiece for decades but failed to impress me when I finally had the chance to watch it.

Directed by Tay Garnett in 1946, this film noir tells the story of Cora Smith (Lana Turner) and Frank Chambers (John Garfield), two individuals who enter into an affair while working at a roadside diner. As their relationship deepens, they become embroiled in a web of deceit and murder that threatens to destroy them.

While Cain's novella is often praised for its sultry and provocative themes, the film adaptation falls short of expectations. Cora, played by Lana Turner, is not the ravishing beauty she was described as being in the book, but rather a sulky-looking woman with lips that seem to beg to be mashed.

The film's slow burn is supposed to build tension and suspense, but it fails to deliver. Instead, it feels like a minor chore to watch, with characters who fail to grip the audience. Even the infamous love scene between Cora and Frank feels lacking, with little passion or chemistry between the two leads.

So why did I feel so underwhelmed by this classic film? Perhaps it's because our expectations are often shaped by what we've heard about a movie rather than what we experience for ourselves. Or maybe it's because 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' is a victim of its own hype, with audiences expecting something more from a film that has been hailed as a masterpiece for so long.

Whatever the reason, I found myself feeling disappointed and unmotivated by this classic film noir. However, my disappointment only served to fuel my curiosity about other adaptations of Cain's novella. After all, there were two earlier versions of the story, including Luchino Visconti's 1943 Italian adaptation 'Ossessione' and a French version from 1939.

In an effort to understand why I didn't connect with this film, I decided to delve deeper into its history and significance. I read Cain's novella and watched both of the earlier adaptations, hoping to gain a new appreciation for this classic story. And while my experience may not have been what I expected, it only served to reinforce my passion for film noir and my desire to continue exploring this genre.

In the end, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' may be a minor chore for some viewers, but it remains an important part of film history and a testament to the power of storytelling. Whether you're a fan of film noir or just looking for a classic movie to watch, this film is definitely worth checking out – even if it doesn't quite live up to its reputation.

Postman always rings twice