Arthur Miller's play makes a stagey transition to the screen courtesy of director Volker Schlöndorff, who wanted the sets to look fake to make the performances more real. Hence an almost Dogville-like approach to filmmaking, with basic sets against a dark background the only embellishments to the actors' efforts.
Yet while the performances are exceptional Dustin Hoffman won a Golden Globe for his titular role, John Malkovich is note-perfect as his son the effect is stifling. As a play, this would have been the sort of production that packs in audiences night after night, for as long as the actors can take; without an audience, the impact is lessened...