The Misfits (1961)

A fragile and sensitive woman (Marilyn Monroe) is in Reno to obtain a divorce. She and her friend (Thelma Ritter) hook up with an aging cowboy (Clark Gable) and an ex-WWII pilot (Eli Wallach). They are later joined by a rodeo rider (Montgomery Clift). Has a film ever been more aptly titled? One of the most difficult shoots of its day (Monroe's breakdown, the director John Huston's heavy drinking), it's near remarkable how such a good film came out of that chaos and turmoil. Of course, it's impossible to watch the film today without being influenced by the knowledge that this was to be the final film of both Gable (who died before the film opened) and Monroe. Because of that, the film has a poignant resonance that it might not have if both had lived and worked longer. Gable and Monroe give what may possibly be career best performances but the rest of the cast are all at the top of their game. Clift brings a deep sadness to his simple cowpoke while Wallach puts forth a likable face on a deeply troubled character. Even Thelma Ritter steps up to the plate ditching her usual wisecrack a minute persona. Arthur Miller's literate script details each of his characters with such structure and specificity that must have been of enormous aid to the cast. The crisp B&W lensing is by the great Russell Metty (TOUCH OF EVIL) and the effective underscore by Alex North. With Kevin McCarthy, Estelle Winwood and James Barton.