Peeling Back the Glamour: A Critical Examination of ‘Inside Daisy Clover’ (1965)
The 1965 movie Inside Daisy Clover, featuring movie stars like Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Christopher Plummer, Ruth Gordon, and Roddy McDowall, promised much but ultimately didn’t deliver the entertainment it could have. Despite its stellar cast, the film falls short of expectations.
Director’s Vision and Historical Accuracy
Directed by Robert Mulligan, known for To Kill A Mockingbird, Inside Daisy Clover reunites him with Natalie Wood after their successful project, Love With the Proper Stranger. Opting for a glossy, exaggerated melodrama, a common trend in the motion picture industry, the film’s 1930s setting feels inauthentic, bearing a stronger resemblance to the 1960s aesthetic, much like Harlow released the same year. Its portrayal of the era, limited to hairstyles and vintage cars, lacks the accuracy seen in films like Bonnie and Clyde or Paper Moon.
Natalie Wood’s Performance and Character Development
In Inside Daisy Clover, Natalie Wood embodies Daisy Clover, a teenage tomboy turned child star amid the Great Depression, aiming to rival Shirley Temple or Judy Garland. However, her debut film’s modern, flashy elf costume, courtesy of Edith Head, and psychedelic dance moves feel misplaced for the era. At 27, Wood was cast to play a 15-year-old, a stretch given her age but a role she connected with, mirroring her own experiences as a former child star.
Natalie Wood and Ruth Gordon at the 23rd Golden Globe Awards. Wood received the Henrietta Award and Ruth Goldon was Best Supporting Actress. They appeared together in Inside Daisy Clover, a Warner Bros. release (taken on 28 February 1966)
Script and Historical Context
The screenplay of Inside Daisy Clover, adapted by Gavin Lambert from his novel, held personal significance for Natalie Wood, a movie star who navigated the challenges of child stardom, including a disfiguring on-set injury and troubling encounters with adult actors. Her tumultuous personal life, marked by relationships with older men and tabloid scandals, paralleled the struggles faced by her character.
Natalie Wood’s Acting Career
Natalie Wood, celebrated for her roles in classics like Miracle on 34th Street and an Oscar-nominated performance in Rebel Without a Cause, delivered what many consider her finest work in Splendor in the Grass opposite Warren Beatty. Her talent earned her recognition at the Golden Globes, highlighting her status as a revered movie star.
Inside Daisy Clover: A Critical Analysis
Inside Daisy Clover stars Natalie Wood as Daisy, a complex character whose tough exterior masks a vulnerable core. Despite Wood’s compelling portrayal, the film’s predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, including Robert Redford’s role, which hints at bisexuality but is significantly toned down, leave much to be desired.
Musical Aspects and Performances
Attempting to be a musical, Inside Daisy Clover falls flat with songs by André Previn and Dory Previn that lack impact and authenticity. Natalie Wood, whose singing was dubbed, performs the choreography well but doesn’t convince as a musical talent. However, the film has its moments, including a darkly comedic suicide attempt and a gripping breakdown scene during a circus-themed song recording.
Robert Redford at an event at the US Embassy in London. (25 April 2012)
Strong Supporting Cast
Inside Daisy Clover features a cast of talented actors, including Ruth Gordon as Daisy’s eccentric mother and Christopher Plummer as the manipulative studio head, Raymond Swan. Plummer, alongside a young Robert Redford as the enigmatic Wade Lewis, delivers a standout performance, adding depth to the film’s dynamic.
Reception and Legacy
Despite a strong cast, Inside Daisy Clover was both a critical and commercial flop, save for Ruth Gordon’s Oscar-nominated performance, which paved the way for later success. Natalie Wood’s career might not have soared to new heights post-release, but she found joy in her personal life with Robert Wagner. Marked by clichés and a failed musical attempt, Inside Daisy Clover’s theatrical release is mainly memorable for its performances but doesn’t meet expectations.
Angelman’s Place (December 6, 2022). Deconstructing Daisy Clover. https://angelman.blogspot.com/2022/12/-inside-daisy-clover-1965.html. Accessed May 2, 2024
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