Customer Reviews

Of Human Bondage [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yes, this novel was adapted into an earlier Bette Davis version. Yes, that version has a loyal following. But this film deserves a fair shake.
On its own terms, it is a realistic, gritty portrait of obsession. Laurence Harvey is always believable and Kim Novak is absolutely frightening in her role. She IS Mildred to the core. Kim's usual vulnerability does shine through as always, but that only deepens the poignancy of this self-destructive character who doesn't understand how to love or be loved. She is authentic in her manners and accent for the period, making one wish that for once this lovely and talented actress would get the credit she deserves. "Of Human Bondage" deserves a dvd release.

I think a dvd version of this film should be made

I just finished watching this and loved it! I got it because I really like Laurence Harvey and I remember how much I enjoyed the book when I read it years ago. I felt this version was perfect (missing only more emphasis on Philip's early years-if you've read the book) and the most perfect aspect was Kim Novak. I have never been a Kim Novak fan, infact I've always kind of disliked her but she IS Mildred. I felt she was totally believable in the role without going over-the-top which would be easy to do. I even forgot she was Kim Novak-she looks so different from her other more popular roles.
Great movie-well worth it!

Kim Novak superbly portrays S. Maugham's Mildred Rogers in OF HUMAN BONDAGE. This is the absolute best screen adaption of the novel. Novak shines in this movie. See how the character of Mildred completely changes from beginning to end. Fans of Kim will delight in seeing this so very beautiful a talented actress in a story of how a cold social climbing waitress toys with the obsessive affections of a young medical student, played by Laurence Harvey.

In this, the third film version of Somerset Maugham's masterpiece, a colleague hovering over a corpse in medical school turns to Philip (played by Laurence Harvey) and warns him: If you get bloody, clean yourself up quickly. Good advice for a future doctor, and also for a protagonist with a feeling of inadequacy (club foot) and a penchant for throwing himself time and again at a lover who's also insecure (social status) and with a penchant for tearing him down.

Philip and Mildred's respective insecurity manifests itself in opposite ways. While Philip seeks to take hold of Mildred and adjust her as he would the body of a patient (note his words to her in front of the skeleton that graces his apartment), Mildred careens from client to client seeking temporary adulation, a quick fix for her unease in dealing with men. (Her job as a waitress also allows for a bump-and-run approach to relationships.) Philip tries to get "under her skin" as he examines what makes her tick; Mildred merely seeks the company of an otherwise handsome "gentleman" whose physical deficiency is not readily apparent. In the end, as the two head obsessively to the emotional precipice, only one proves capable of self-control. Belatedly, Philip cleans himself up, and in the knick of time, in a manner that allows him to slowly transition to the next phase of his life with greater self-respect and understanding, if not unrestrained passion.

This third version of Maugham's classic focuses squarely on the personalities of the main characters, locking out many of the supporting personalities in the novel, and all the better to allow Novak the latitude to display the full range of her art. Dressed in Victorian era garb, her natural beauty is, at times, somewhat diminished, but that in itself adds to the portrayal of blind obsession that Philip feels toward her. Her take on this working class tart is uncannily good; note how she looks plaintively at the waiter at the upscale restaurant that Philip takes her to, extending her wine glass and waiting for the pour, not understanding that Philip must taste for approval. As in "Vertigo", her eyes and minor physical movements say a lot. And when she lies in bed for the last time, hazily, her understated persona is spot-on. It's perhaps the finest work of her career, and Oscar-worthy.

With a wonderful score, carefully chosen scenery, and appropriate lighting in addition to a standout performance by Novak, this "Of Human Bondage" deserves the widest possible audience.

I knew Lawrence Harvey was delicious but Butterfield 8 kind of stained my memory of him. I caught Of Human Bondage on the Turner Classic Movie channel to give him another chance although I hated the Bette Davis version. This is an AWESOME movie about narcissistic personality disorder, quid quo pro sexual relationships, class hatred and orphan loneliness enduring into adulthood and embarassment about one's body and lack of physical pristineness affecting one's sense of desirability which will diminish your expectations. Maybe Leslie Howard looks personify better the distressed mindset of the clubfooted, unhappy, not really financially secure main character BUT Lawrence Harvey OWNS his screentime. If I was a studio head of Olde Hollywoode at the time, I would have screamed, "Get me more Lithuanians PRONTO!" And Lawrence Harvey's attractiveness makes the adult themes more apparent - it's not just a fool in love - it's about class differences, diminished expectations, contempt on his part. This is a wonderful movie on its own even if you haven't read the easy and deep book.

This movie should have been considered for DVD release by now...
It's almost a crime that it hasn't...
It's one of the best adaptations of the novel yet to hit the screen.

Laurence Harvey plays the young, student Doctor that has the bad luck to meet "Mildred" (superbly played by Kim Novak)
and enter into what seems as a one sided romance, doomed from the beginning.
Harvey becomes more and more obsessed with Novak's character (Mildred) and threatens his career and future by chasing after her.
Mildred...On the other hand, is the kind of woman that would worry parents (Even in this day & age)if their son were to become involved with.
Kim Novak (Mildred) does her best work portraying this female "Spider" (for lack of a better description)that looks for greener grass (her next victim)and constantly trying to better herself and position, by using sex as her "Web.

Always stringing along the young "Love struck Doctor" (No doubt amusing herself at the moment) Mildred temporarily satisfies her twisted emotional needs at the expense of Harvey's basically innocent character, who's "inner soul" eventually pays a huge price for falling in love with the "wrong" woman.

How the story plays itself out, is both gripping and thought provoking, in a "Train Wreck" kind of way.
Those whom haven't seen this version "OF HUMAN BONDAGE" will definately come away with a greater appreciation of
S. Maugham's work.

I had just finished reading Maugham's OF HUMAN BONDAGE when the film was released in 1964. I could never fathom the young doctor's (Phillip) obsession for this common woman (Mildred).....but "the heart has its reasons.....which our Reason cannot understand". The young doctor was played very well, I think, by Laurence Harvey and the waitress was Kim Novak......Okay, maybe it was a little overacted in places, but I still give the performances high marks. One feels the pain and anguish watching Harvey's character so in love that he can't see.....Mildred went through him "like the worst kind of disease"......If you've ever loved someone until you thought you would go mad, someone who devoured you "like the worst kind of disease," see this version of OF HUMAN BONDAGE....and read the book as well.

nt and a waitress on the make. Laurence Harvey and Kim Novak bring this novel to life. The film spans several years during which the waitress becomes a lady of the evening and the medical student graduates. While destined for greatness, Harvey must come to final terms with lost love and compassion.

I mean it. If you are having a hard time with your girlfriend, and feel yourself on the edge, you have to watch this. I bet you will feel a lot better afterwards. Better than going to a shrink and paying $200/hour (furthermore it is a 50 minutes hour). END