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To Be or Not to Be: An Existential Masterpiece

Everett Bell

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Published in To Be Or Not To Be (BFI Film Classics)

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To Be or Not to Be is a 1942 American film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. The film is a comedy about a troupe of Polish actors who are forced to confront the Nazis during World War II. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the award for Best Original Screenplay.

To be or Not to be (BFI Film Classics)

by Peter Barnes

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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To Be or Not to Be is a classic film that has been praised for its wit, its performances, and its timeless themes. It is a film that has something to say about the human condition, and it is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

The Existential Themes of To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be is a film about the meaning of life and the choices we make in the face of adversity. The film's title is taken from Hamlet's famous soliloquy, in which he contemplates whether or not to commit suicide. Hamlet's question is one that all of us have asked ourselves at some point in our lives, and To Be or Not to Be explores this question in a humorous and thought-provoking way.

The film's characters are all faced with difficult choices, and they must decide how to live their lives in the face of danger and uncertainty. The actors in the film must decide whether or not to continue performing when the Nazis come to power, and they must also decide how to respond to the Nazis' anti-Semitism. The film's主人公，约瑟夫·图拉（约瑟夫·图拉饰），必须决定是否愿意冒着生命危险帮助犹太人逃离波兰。这些决定没有简单的答案，每个角色都必须根据自己的价值观和信仰做出选择。

To Be or Not to Be is a film about the human condition, and it is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. The film's themes are timeless, and its characters are unforgettable. This film is not only a cinematic masterpiece, but it is also an important work of philosophy that can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us.

The Characters of To Be or Not to Be

The characters of To Be or Not to Be are some of the most memorable and well-developed in film history. Carole Lombard gives a star-making performance as Maria Tura, a Polish actress who is torn between her love for her husband and her desire to fight the Nazis. Jack Benny is equally excellent as Joseph Tura, Maria's husband and the troupe's leading man. Benny brings his trademark wit and charm to the role, and he creates a character who is both funny and deeply moving.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Sig Ruman, Felix Bressart, and Robert Stack all giving memorable performances. Ruman plays Greenberg, the troupe's Jewish manager, and he brings a great deal of pathos to the role. Bressart plays Dobish, the troupe's old and eccentric actor, and he provides some of the film's most memorable comic moments. Stack plays Bronski, a Nazi officer who falls in love with Maria, and he gives a nuanced and sympathetic performance.

The characters of To Be or Not to Be are complex and well-developed, and they are one of the reasons why the film is so enduring. These characters are people that we can relate to, and they stay with us long after the film is over.

The Cultural Impact of To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be has had a profound impact on popular culture. The film's famous line, "To be or not to be, that is the question," has been quoted in countless films, television shows, and other works of popular culture. The film has also been spoofed and parodied numerous times, including in the Marx Brothers' film Duck Soup.

To Be or Not to Be is a film that has stood the test of time. It is a film that is still relevant today, and it is a film that will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.

To Be or Not to Be is a classic film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film's themes are timeless, its characters are unforgettable, and its cultural impact is undeniable. This film is a must-see for any fan of cinema, and it is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

To Be or Not to Be (BFI Film Classics) is available on Our Book Library.com.

To be or Not to be (BFI Film Classics)

by Peter Barnes

5 out of 5