In 1968, the film 'Boom!' starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton hit the screens, a melodrama so intense it seemed to mirror the couple's own tumultuous relationship. Directed by Joseph Losey and based on Tennessee Williams' play 'The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore,' the movie was initially met with ridicule but has since been reevaluated as a cult classic.
A Story of Pain and Passion
Elizabeth Taylor, known for her numerous health struggles, plays Flora 'Sissy' Goforth, a wealthy widow on her deathbed dictating her memoirs on a secluded island. Her isolation is broken by the arrival of Christopher Flanders, played by Burton, a man known as the 'Angel of Death' for his habit of appearing before people die. The film explores themes of mortality, desire, and power dynamics, with Sissy not merely a victim but a viperous force herself.
Surreal and Stylized
The film's visual style is striking, set against the Mediterranean Sea and the limestone cliffs of Sardinia. Taylor's character dons extravagant kaftans and capes, while Burton is dressed in a samurai kimono. The surreal elements, such as a kabuki costume and a white sea urchin headpiece, add to the fever dream quality. The film is a spiritual sequel to Williams' 'Suddenly Last Summer,' which also starred Taylor. Noël Coward replaced Katharine Hepburn, who turned down the role of the Witch of Capri.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Initially panned, 'Boom!' was defended by Williams as the best adaptation of his work. It later gained a cult following, with director John Waters calling it 'the best failed art movie ever made.' The film's production was also chaotic, with Taylor and Burton almost buying the film set villa, which lacked basic amenities. Despite its flaws, 'Boom!' remains a fascinating artifact of Taylor and Burton's cinematic collaboration, a melodrama that earns its exclamation mark.
For those interested, 'Boom!' is available for streaming on YouTube.
