THE CRUCIBLE
A film review by Walter Frith
Copyright 1997 Walter Frith
Arthur Miller's play from the 1950's entitled 'The Crucible' was a very timely play indeed in wake of the McCarthy hearings in the United States designed to root out communists and which many of its critics termed a "witch hunt." The setting for this movie is Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 and the root of this play is literally a witch hunt involving adultery, conscience, betrayal and relentless evil. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as John Proctor, a man trying to save the honor and life of his patronizing wife (Joan Allen) who is a woman of moral conduct and devotion to her husband. An inquest conducted by a British magestrate (Paul Scofield) in a chilling and commanding performance which should snag him an Oscar nomination seeks to root out the presence of Satan not only in Proctor's wife but presumably in the character of a young woman (Winona Ryder) and other members of her group who meet in secret ritual fashion. The penalty for being convicted of any association with Satan is death by hanging. Ryder's character had an adulterous affair with John Proctor and now seeks to destroy his marriage by aiding in the conviction of his wife all the while trying to prove her own innocence. Director Nicholas Hytner ('The Madness of King George') fashions an electrifying yet plain look to this film which is in keeping with Miller's story and the entire cast shines with emotion and passion. I was impressed with the way this movie was able to avoid any pretentious conclusion as it makes its point clearly and then exits appropriately. One of 1996's most well acted pieces.
OUT OF 5> * * * 1/2
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