The Beguiled: The Storyteller
The Beguiled: The Storyteller

Movie spotlight

The Beguiled: The Storyteller

1971
Movie
12 min
English

The Beguiled: The Storyteller is the first documentary short ever directed by Clint Eastwood. Shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, under the Malpaso Production Company, it has a running time of 12 minutes and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 1971 film, The Beguiled. Eastwood highlights each of the primary actors including himself as well as director Don Siegel.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Google Users78%
Director: Don SiegelGenres: Drama, Thriller, War

Plot Summary

During the American Civil War, a wounded Union soldier seeks refuge at an all-girls boarding school in the Confederate South. His presence disrupts the quiet, isolated lives of the students and staff, leading to simmering tensions, manipulative games, and ultimately, dangerous consequences as desires and resentments boil over.

Critical Reception

The Beguiled received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Don Siegel's direction and the performances, particularly from Geraldine Page. However, some found the plot overly melodramatic. Over time, it has been recognized for its psychological tension and gothic atmosphere, becoming a notable film in Siegel's filmography.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and solid performances, especially from Geraldine Page.

  • Some critics found the plot to be somewhat overwrought and melodramatic.

  • The film is noted for its psychological exploration of female isolation and desire.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'The Beguiled' to be a captivating and suspenseful film, appreciating the strong acting and the unsettling psychological drama. Some viewers felt the plot became too convoluted in its latter half, but the overall sentiment was positive regarding its engaging narrative and gothic mood.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be a vehicle for Elvis Presley before Don Siegel took over and cast Clint Eastwood.

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