Long Day's Journey Into Night (1962)

Synopsis of Long Day's Journey Into Night (1962)

Long Day's Journey Into Night is one of the screen's most insightful examinations of lives caught in a downward cycle of co-dependency and despair. Working from the highly autobiographical stage play by Eugene O'Neill, director Sidney Lumet keeps the material interesting despite a 174-minute running time, and cinematographer Boris Kaufman contributes a distinctively angular, shadowy atmosphere. The performances are well-matched to the material, notably Katherine Hepburn in an unusual role as the drug-addicted mother. Since the play is, by its nature, confined to a single indoor setting, Lumet never manages to break free of the feeling that he is presenting a stage play; nonetheless, this is among the best-acted, best-written films of its era. (Richard Gilliam, All Movie Guide)