Whereas the prestige MGM films of the period are characterized by low contrast, brightly lit scenes and subtle
soft focus, «Spellbound» adds extra layers of shadows and abstract patterns; and sharper detail, with a peculiar
glow around the actors: characters
glow with hypnotic power, as though the film stock was imbued with the luminescence of fine
lead crystal.
As we sip Caipirinhas under the
soft glow of kerosene lamps, it's easy to let my thoughts drift and
lead me to believe I'm on a glamorous Amazonian expedition.