Imitation of Life

Directed by Douglas Sirk, Imitation of Life details the ups and downs within the lives of two very different women (Lana Turner’s Lora and Juanita Moore’s Annie). Filmmaker Sirk, armed with a script by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott, delivers a mostly compelling endeavor that benefits from its superb performances and larger-than-life happenings, and it’s clear, too, that the picture, which remains watchable throughout, becomes more and more absorbing as it progresses into a second half riddled with engrossing sequences and stretches – with, especially, the increased emphasis on the fractured relationship between Moore’s figure and her rebellious teen daughter (Susan Kohner’s Sarah Jane) enhancing the gripping vibe. And while the 125 minute running time admittedly does result in a few lulls, Imitation of Life builds towards a powerful, shattering climax that effectively ensures it ends on a decidedly positive note – with the end result one of the 1950s more memorable melodramas.

***1/2 out of ****