Design for Living (2013)

Very disappointing...

How sad is this?

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Hollywood is doing many remakes because they don't have any creative screen writers, like myself, who can't get his foot in the door because of nepotism and the fact that I know no one out there.Some remakes are good, such as 2005's 'King Kong' (special effects?) but most pale in comparison to the original, especially the comedies. This film would be a box office smash today, with Naomi Watts playing the 'Gilda' role and Matthew McConaghy taking the Cooper role and how about Robert Downey Jr. as Frederich March? Instead of 'bums' moving to Paris and becoming successful, let's have them all stay poor, making the film more realistic. Back in the 30's and 40's films seemed to gravitate toward 'rags to riches' themes. We all know that such success is not the norm. Miriam Hopkins would be a star today....without the girdle Hollywood made her wear. And, let's face it, even in the 30's, people involved in the arts did not only have platonic relationships.

This pre-code, 1930's, Screwball comedy (which was adapted from Noel Coward's stage play) was, for me, the absolute nadir of very-very-very tacky taste.This film was a perfect example of a two-faced Hollywood trying to be oh-so sophisticated, yet, at the same time, riding the fence when it came to such a daring bit of subject matter as whorish, promiscuous sex.What I'm talking about here is this - Even though the Gilda Farrell character was clearly nothing but a 3-timing slut, and a bigamist bitch, as well (who actually played 2 best friends against each other), this film's story went well out of its way to paint this despicable tramp (and her activities) as being so coy, so innocent, so cute, and yes, so dignified, to boot.But, if you ask me, I think this witch was absolutely contemptible (not cute) the way she rubbed the men's faces right into the dirt. And the most sickening part of all of this was that these guys just kept coming for more of the same crappy treatment, as though Gilda was the be-all and end-all of women.Considering that this film is now 82 years old, I really did try to cut it some slack, but as its story quickly progressed into the revolting scenario that I've described above, I was left with no choice but to give it a 1-star rating..... And, that's that!

The other Reviews gave more than enough technical, background, and actors/actress information regarding this movie. I will just address the classification Comedy. I found the script and the performers amusing here and there. My patience was tried throughout the entire film, though, as I watched and listened in anxious anticipation for the "FUNNY" to kick in. Let me tally the count: Belly laughs= ZERO... Out loud laughter=ZERO... Out loud chuckles=ZERO... Snickers and hmm hmmps=UNDER FIVE... Smiles - Yeah, I smiled (cheeks sure did Not get sore maintaining one, though)AND, the movie ended. If the Pre-Code factor of this film and other info as furnished in other Reviews is enough for you, then watch it.I CANNOT recommend seeing this film if you, like me, have the prerequisite requirement that a movie classified Comedy MUST have at least ONE (1) laugh-out-loud moment in it. Barring that, I can't even say I felt the enjoyment of having spent the time it took to watch the movie, as I felt too much disappointment for what it lacked.By the way -- Of Course I appreciate Gary Cooper, Fredric March, Edward Everett Horton, and (lesser known to me, yet enjoyable enough) Miriam Hopkins. I've seen films they're in that were ---my definition --- Funny. Just not here.

I have recently married the most gorgeous man ever. I have corrupted him by encouraging him to drink absinthe and fall in love with jean Arthur and Norma shearer.one of his favourite seduction was the Robert Montgomery- Norma shearer "private lives" but tonight...but tonight we shared our very own discovery. the Lubitch masterpiece 'DESIGN FOR LIVING'I had never seen it, but I know that there is no coward only Hetch, but who cares?it is a wonderful film with wondrous performances and a classic in so many ways.Brian