Recent Viewings, Part 2

[lester1/2jr]

I had no idea that existed. I might have watched it instead. Yeah, it's not rocket science it's just a conspiracy movie. I wonder if they could use AI to upgrade "Lathe of Heaven". The only version out there is a rusty 2nd gen.

[Dr. Whom]

Der blaue Engel (1930)

The movie that launched the career of Marlene Dietrich. I must admit I am rather underwhelmed by her performance here. For me she doesn't give off as much femme fatale/ewig Weibliche vibes as, say Greta Garbo, but she did become a sensation on the back of this movie, so what do I know. I was impressed by Emil Jannings, however, even though his style may be a little too rooted in the silent movie era for modern tastes. Speaking of which, this was filmed fully a movie with sound, and the foley team certainly does not let you forget it. It was filmed on one of the earliest true sound stages, which might explain why it feels so claustrophobic. A lot of it takes place in enclosed spaces crammed with people.

The general themes have not aged well. Our views on femininity and the relative social status of stage performers vs teachers have shifted dramatically so now it is more of a document of its time than a socially relevant commentary. Still, worth seeing.