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Reviews
Der müde Tod (1921)
"For Love is stronger than Death..."
A beautiful parable, pitting the power of love against death. Frits Lang drew tenderness and emotion from actors, scenery, special effects and artful cinematography. The most beautiful, entrancing scenes are those set in a pre-Industial Revolution village in Europe, blending fantasy and atmospheric depth. After pleading with a sad, sympathetic Death, a young woman is given several chances to bring her beloved back to life. Her consciousness travels to destinations around the globe in three stories within the greater story, framed by the primary story set in Europe. Although these wonderful supplemental foreign scenes fall short of the scenes in the primary location, each has marvelous elements of character and magical effects which keep them from dragging the film down. DESTINY a gleaming jewel in Lang's impressive legacy of classic films.
The Iron Mask (1929)
Great Movie
Eighty-five years after it was made, The Iron Mask retains its luster, its magnetism, and it's delightful storytelling. Despite its veering from the plot of Dumas' great novel, The Iron Mask is a highly entertaining adventure in its own right. Of course, with Douglas Fairbanks as the D'Artagnan character, the film has an advantage right out of the gate. It has less over-the-top action than in earlier Fairbanks swashbucklers, and Fairbanks's acrobatics are more subdued than in his earlier actioners. But at age 46 he could still bound and leap and climb and buckle a swash better than the best men half his age, better, in fact, than almost any man of any age. And what an actor! Just his smile could make his audience joyful. His tenderness, his sincerity, and his depth were irresistible convincing, capturing every emotion he wished to convey. Although this was his last silent film, it contained a brief sound introduction to Part 1 and another to Part 2, both with shots of Fairbanks narrating in a stirring, proud voice. A few elements of the film are dated, most notably the shots of the evil royal twin, who emoted in the hammiest sense. Little items like that do not detract from the appeal of The Iron Mask. This was the first time I'd watched it. I will watch it again.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Wasn't The Original Plot Good Enough?
To make room for the numerous and somewhat superfluous action scenes, important plot elements were ignored of changed completely. Perhaps the producers felt that audiences in 2002 would not appreciate the exceptional Dumas plot intact. However, if we forgive the rank liberties taken with Dumas' great work, the movie was above average. Richard Harris was typically brilliant as the learned and venerable Abbe Faria, stealing the show completely. Jim Caviezel was serviceable. His Edmund Dantes was solid, but the spirit of Robert Donat need not feel troubled. Guy Reynolds was very effective, giving both strength and humanity to his Fernand Mondego. Poor Luis Guzman, a fine actor, was over-directed as Jacopo. Dagmara Dominczyk was lovely and convincing as Mercedes. Camera work was superb, and appropriate mood was maintained throughout. Still, with all its good points, this version of the great story doesn't come close to the standard set by the classic 1934 film of the same name.
His Double Life (1933)
A Gem
More than three quarters of a century after its release, this gem retains its delightful sparkle. The charming story of confused identity is enhanced by Roland Young's captivating portrayal of the delicately neurotic Priam Farrell. It is a treat to see the enormously talented Young in a film preceding "Topper" by several years. Not surprisingly, Lillian Gish is superb as his stabilizing love interest. The heroine of "Birth of a Nation" and "Broken Blossoms" handles her role with ease befitting a truly great actress.
It would be an unfair mistake to judge the quality of this work using more modern films as a standard. To do so would be the hallmark of a fragile ego hungry for validation, using unfounded, ignorant, and empty criticism. Enjoy this film for what it is, a well-acted story, albeit somewhat dated.