Sabrina (1954)
In many ways an enjoyable Hollywood romance faitytale withs its romanticized version of upstairs-downstairs servant falling in love with the masters of the household. But also really a product of its time and hasn’t aged quite the same way as other Billy Wilder films that felt more progressive. It is still quite witty, snappy dialogue and small jabs at the upperclass and their cluelessness, but still mostly a drama. Hepburn really steals all scenes and she is undeniably the major reason one should watch this. She is sweet, little bit naive but not in the annoying way, and all around charming.
I know the studio system worked differently and it was more about putting bankable star names on the poster than take chances with the casting, but I do have a problem with Bogart being in this role. Huge age difference is just something you have to accept with classic Hollywood sometimes, but when he looks older than he is (probably not helped by his cancer at this stage) and Hepburn looks younger it becomes more jarring. In addition, he also quite manipulative with this young woman who clearly just needs to experience the world for herself outside the walled gardens of a mansion. The problem is more than just the age gap, but the two being in a completely different stages of their lives. She is open and ready to see the world, he has closed himself off to emotional attachment do focus on his business, and while the film does try to portray it as she is sort of saving him from that, but for me it is more like he will ultimately take away her youth and freedom. The general depiction of the ultra rich as nothing more than aloof do-gooders is also something that can only exist in Hollywood fairytale land. Still, it is Billy Wilder and that means that for the type of story it is, it is remarkably well made and engaging from start to finish.
Rating: 3.5