Absolutely no chemistry, or believable sexual tension.
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — A Farewell to Arms
genplant29 — 16 years ago(May 03, 2009 02:37 AM)
I've just finished watching this movie. While I thought the movie very good, and definitely did enjoy it, I personally thought Gary Cooper and Helen Hayes had absolutely no chemistry or sexual tension together. Well, to clarify my statement, I found Cooper to have completely realistic tension and chemistry, going outwards, but Hayes to have none whatsoever with him, and TOTALLY felt like it was acting on her part; I didn't "buy" her passion for him, in the least. Was it just me who felt this way? I've seen this movie at least a few other times over the years, years apart (finally have a copy with a surprisingly good picture and sound!), and reached the no-chemistry conclusion each and every time. Miss Hayes' performance was well done, but didn't at all convince me where the romance was concerned. While I'm at it, the glam look SO was not "her." I hated the VERY schmaltzy ending.
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mdonln — 11 years ago(March 08, 2015 04:54 PM)
I never specifically thought about the chemistry, if it works or not, between Gary and Helen's characters. Perhaps I was too distracted by the other issues I found lacking in this movie. There are many.
The one issue that bothers me most is the recurring theme of extramarital sex and the dire consequences that stem from it. I found it odd that that played such a prominent role in the movie.
There's a war raging but it only serves as a backdrop to the main story. The war is what brings Frederic and Catherine together and it, along with the behind the scenes behavior of their supposed close friends, is what also keeps the two of them apart. Still, all the problems that befall this couple seem to stem directly from the illicit affair they're engaged in.
I don't mind movies with a strong moral message. In fact, I prefer them but, in this case, the cause-effect link feels a bit over-the-top and exaggerated. -
Tin_ear — 10 years ago(June 12, 2015 01:17 AM)
Yeah, it was a let down from the book. The novel lulls you in with all the machismo and gritty war scenes but in a weird way contrasts and establishes the romantic subplot nicely. Though the film was a confused blur, the ending was the least of the film's problems. I never thought much of Cooper but it's interesting you like Cooper because Hemingway supposedly wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls a couple years later specifically with Cooper in mind, Hemingway loved him. So maybe Cooper nailed the role afterall.
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thepalestfire — 10 years ago(March 12, 2016 11:13 AM)
I love Gary Cooper in the few movies I've seen him in, but they have all been comedies except High Noon. I'm not sure he if he can't handle drama, or if he was just miscast here.
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