While more familiar with his better known late-20s all the way through to the 40s work, the best of which with the likes of 'Trouble in Paradise', 'Ninotchka', 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Shop Around the Corner' are justly acclaimed, that is not to say that his early films are to be neglected. On the most part his early work, pretty much all of which being in German, is very interesting and well worth watching, 'The Doll' and 'The Oyster Princess' being standouts.
'Madame DuBarry' from 1919 is another one of his early films. It is intriguing for anybody that likes silent films and those in non-English (of which there are many, not just Lubitsch in terms of German silents but even more so early-Fritz Lang and FW Murnau) and it is worth a look with a fair share of obvious good things. But there are far better films from Lubitsch and is somewhat disappointing by his very high standards. Not just overall, but even from this period.
The production values are beautifully produced in the costumes and sets (especially the costumes). It is also beautifully and clever shot, namely towards the end, it's not refined on a visual front as far as Lubitsch films go but for me it's one of his better looking early ones. The score avoids being too intrusive or too syrupy, dangers with the kind of film 'Madame DuBarry' is.
Some compelling moments can be seen in 'Madame DuBarry' too. The mob scenes are big in scale, especially for a film dated from the late 1910s, and the final moments are very moving. Pola Negri's performance may not be subtle, but she is always a powerful presence and is affecting in the title role. Emil Jannings, one of the silent film acting greats, is typically formidable. The acting generally didn't feel static or histrionic and there is good chemistry between the actors. There are a few light-hearted moments along the way.
Regrettably though they don't come enough. Was not expecting non-stop wit and sophistication, 'Madame DuBarry' is not that kind of film (and anybody who has prior knowledge of her would know that too) and it was made at a time when Lubitsch was still finding his style, but it could have done with a lighter touch in places. It does feel a little too dark and serious generally.
Pacing can be a little too ponderous and too often it was a little too bland from the lack of character depth and emotion, excepting the mob scenes and conclusion. Lubitsch's direction is striking visually but on a dramatic front it's on the flat side.
Overall, above average but a long way from classic Lubitsch, early years and overall. 6/10
