Eva (1962 film)
Eva, released in the United Kingdom as Eve, is a 1962 Italian-French co-production drama film directed by Joseph Losey and starring Jeanne Moreau, Stanley Baker and Virna Lisi. Its screenplay is adapted from James Hadley Chase's 1945 novel Eve.[1]
Eva | |
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Original film poster | |
Directed by | Joseph Losey |
Produced by | Raymond Hakim Robert Hakim |
Screenplay by | Hugo Butler Evan Jones |
Based on | Eve by James Hadley Chase |
Starring | Jeanne Moreau Stanley Baker Virna Lisi |
Music by | Michel Legrand |
Cinematography | Gianni Di Venanzo |
Edited by | Reginald Beck Franca Silvi |
Distributed by | Times Film Corporation |
Release date |
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Running time | 116 minutes |
Language | English |
Plot summary
A raw Welsh novelist in Venice is humiliated by a money-loving Frenchwoman who erotically ensnares him.
Cast
- Jeanne Moreau: Eva Olivier
- Virna Lisi: Francesca Ferrari
- Stanley Baker: Tyvian Jones
- James Villiers: Alan McCormick
- Lisa Gastoni: The red-headed Russian
- Riccardo Garrone: Michele
- Checco Rissone: Pieri
- Enzo Fiermonte: Enzo
- Giorgio Albertazzi: Branco Malloni
Production
Losey said he never would have normally chosen to make a film out of Chase's novel "but I made the film mine more than anything I have ever done."[2]
Losey said later the producers made cuts without his permission and the film was a disappointment to him.[3]
Critical reception
The New York Times concluded "Mr. Losey said the producer ruined it by cutting. The rejoinder is: He didn't cut it enough";[4] while in a similarly unfavourable review, Dennis Schwartz opined "The story itself is the film’s main problem, because it is so unsettling and perverse. It never lets in any sunlight";[5] however Derek Winnert noted "Losey’s dark thriller is really rather effective and underrated, and the actors are spot on in tailor-made roles."[6]
References
- Geoffrey Nowell-Smith. Making Waves, Revised and Expanded: New Cinemas of the 1960s. A&C Black, 2013. ISBN 1623566916.
- FILM CRAFT: Joseph Losey talks to Peter Lennon The Guardian (1959-2003); London (UK) [London (UK)]09 July 1962: 5.
- EXPATRIATE RETRACES HIS STEPS: Joseph Losey Changes Direction With His British 'Servant' By EUGENE ARCHER. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]15 Mar 1964: X9.
- Crowther, Bosley (June 5, 1965). "The Screen: Jeanne Moreau as Eva:Romantic Drama Opens at Little Carnegie" – via NYTimes.com.
- "EVA – Dennis Schwartz Reviews".
- "Eva **** (1962, Stanley Baker, Jeanne Moreau, Virna Lisi, James Villiers, Lisa Gastoni) – Classic Movie Review 3999". July 11, 2016.