Product Description

With John Huston directing a cast of Hollywood icons including Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe in a haunting screenplay by Arthur Miller, "The Misfits" was one of the most anticipated films of 1961--but difficult shooting locations, an unruly director, a crumbling marriage, an aging leading man, and an unstable leading lady made the behind-the-scenes story of the film's production anything but ideal. The film would turn out to be the final work of both Gable and Monroe and nearly the last appearance of Montgomery Clift. Luckily nine photographers from the renowned Magnum Agency documented this tale of loners in Reno, Nevada; with complete day-to-day access on the set, their work captured a fascinating tableau of life imitating art and vice versa. Now the stunning Magnum images and new first-person accounts from Arthur Miller, Eli Wallach, and surviving crew members illuminate the twilight moments of this fabled Hollywood production.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47679 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-11-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 55 minutes

Customer Reviews

A fascinating look behind the scenes of Marilyn's last Movie.
This documentary is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the making of "The Misfits." At the time this movie was being made it was heralded as possibly one of the greatest movies of the 20th century. Written by a great play write and staring the iconic film stars Monroe, Gable and Clift. For Monroe and Gable it would be their final appearance on the big screen. When Initially released the movie got a luke warm reception from movie goers, but has since developed a cult following. Today it is generally recognized by critics as a great movie. This documentary tells the behind scenes story of the making of this film, which was as dramatic as the movie itself. This is a must see for serious movie fans of Hollywood's golden age. And for a searing behind the scenes "fictional" look at the making of this movie I highly recommend Misfits Country!

Yester Year
Apparently made for television, it presents remaining POVs from this involuted crew, and raises more questions than it answers. Presentation and photography are good to excellent. Personal myths are interesting.
Definitely worth having if you are seriously interested in this "Nodal" film known as "The Misfits" I decided that I have to read the book. Much appreciated.

Superlative Documentary On A Legendary Film
The opening shot of "Making The Misfits" is charged with evocative nostalgia for a lost era in film history and stars of legendary status that haunt our collective memory. It's a simple yet telling shot of a nearly empty drive-in theater just after sunset. On it's battered shabby screen "The Misfits" is running.
The making of John Huston's misunderstood classic is presented here with artistry and integrity. It weaves present day interviews with surviving cast, crew, and photographers with shots from the film. Some of the interviews were filmed on the old set locations or in areas very near them. Through these interviews, film clips, and the wonderful photographs of such Magnum artists as Eve Arnold the story of one of the most unusual "Hollywood" film productions unfolds. For film buffs and fans of any of the principal players this is pure gold.
"Making The Misfits" is one of the best documentaries on Hollywood and how films get made. It was wonderful to see Arthur Miller being so open and candid about a painful part of his life. He is the heart and soul of this film and fills the frame with dignity and humor. Eli Wallach is charming as he spins his memories of those days in the desert with Marilyn, Gable and Monty.
This end result of seeing this documentary is that it makes the viewer want to revisit "The Misfits" and view it with a fresh prospective.
(For my review on "The Misfits" entitled 'A Lesson In Film' click on MGMboy more about me)