Maybe it is because I am used to the films nowadays that I just can't see how these olden films are seen as 'masterpieces'.
Not so much Marlene Dietrich, but the acting in this film was horrible. I was literally cringing. The beginning half was worst, and even Dietrich felt a little awkward, but the worst was when Herbert Marshall was speaking. It was too flat and forced. Dickie Moore who was a kid at the time was better than most actors in this.
Dietrich did play her character better during the second half, as she carries the film on her shoulders. She portrays her character really well, and the connection between her and Moore as mother and son was prominent. Her character is the only one who is given detail in the film and nothing much is known about the others.
I watched this film for my film theory class, and the theory connected with this was the image of the woman in the cinema. If you've read some of my other reviews, you would know not to get me started on the sexism and inequality in films. Let's just say that even though this film is centred on a female star, she is basically portrayed as a whore (and an object to look at), and a bad mother because she is not supposed to work and care for her son at the same time. Plus, this didn't even pass the Bechdel test (not that it's a good indicator of gender equality in films, but it is definitely something to think about).
Read more movie reviews at: championangels.wordpress.com
Not so much Marlene Dietrich, but the acting in this film was horrible. I was literally cringing. The beginning half was worst, and even Dietrich felt a little awkward, but the worst was when Herbert Marshall was speaking. It was too flat and forced. Dickie Moore who was a kid at the time was better than most actors in this.
Dietrich did play her character better during the second half, as she carries the film on her shoulders. She portrays her character really well, and the connection between her and Moore as mother and son was prominent. Her character is the only one who is given detail in the film and nothing much is known about the others.
I watched this film for my film theory class, and the theory connected with this was the image of the woman in the cinema. If you've read some of my other reviews, you would know not to get me started on the sexism and inequality in films. Let's just say that even though this film is centred on a female star, she is basically portrayed as a whore (and an object to look at), and a bad mother because she is not supposed to work and care for her son at the same time. Plus, this didn't even pass the Bechdel test (not that it's a good indicator of gender equality in films, but it is definitely something to think about).
Read more movie reviews at: championangels.wordpress.com