The acting in the 1956 version of The Hunhcback of Notre Dame much like the characters lacks depth.
However like I said when I first started this version, I’m basing this review on the english dubbed version.
The only two actors who spoke their lines in English were Anthony Quinn and Gina Lollobrigida, so the bulk of the characters were dubbed. Which doesn’t help the acting style as there is a disconnect between the action and the vocals.
However the acting isn’t much better in the French version but it’s more natural so it is slightly better than the dubbed.
However, I don’t think the fault of the acting is entirely the actors/voice actors’ fault. I think the script and the director are to blame. I sense little or no joy in the direction of the movie and the script is pretty utilitarian.
Any energy or vibrancy in the performance is the actors trying to eject something into the lines. But overall the acting is underwhelming.
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