"Lulu In Berlin" features a rare filmed interview with Louise Brooks. Shot in 1984, just a year before she died, the dancer, turned-actress, turned-dancing instructor, turned writer, discusses her collaboration with G.W. Pabst on the films "Pandora's Box" and "Diary of a Lost Girl." Her interviewer is a film historian who is very articulate, but seems very tense, and uptight, sitting so near his cinematic idol. Brooks is very laid back as she speaks into a large desk microphone, relating her film career adventures. Her interview overlaps production photos from the shoot, as well as footage from her other films.
Aside from Pabst, she mentions meeting Rene Clair, and critiques her rivals: Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Leni Riefenstahl. "Lulu In Berlin" is a marvelous 50 minute visit with a fascinating actress.
My only complaint, if there is one, is that the interview footage plays like a formal interview - and is not quite as relaxed as two friends talking together. Luckily, Brooks loves telling stories, and does not appear impeded whatsoever by her clinical surroundings.
Andrew Sarris once noted that the classic film "Casablanca is the happiest of accidents." After watching this interview, one feels Brook's acting career was, for us, "the happiest of accidents." She claims she HATED seeing herself on the screen, knew nothing about acting, and called the acting profession "legalized slavery." She only felt happy dancing, and writing. I feel we're very fortunate that she made a career tangent into films, no matter how brief.
Also - anyone who loves this documentary - should check out the book Brooks wrote about the silent era. Good stuff.
Aside from Pabst, she mentions meeting Rene Clair, and critiques her rivals: Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Leni Riefenstahl. "Lulu In Berlin" is a marvelous 50 minute visit with a fascinating actress.
My only complaint, if there is one, is that the interview footage plays like a formal interview - and is not quite as relaxed as two friends talking together. Luckily, Brooks loves telling stories, and does not appear impeded whatsoever by her clinical surroundings.
Andrew Sarris once noted that the classic film "Casablanca is the happiest of accidents." After watching this interview, one feels Brook's acting career was, for us, "the happiest of accidents." She claims she HATED seeing herself on the screen, knew nothing about acting, and called the acting profession "legalized slavery." She only felt happy dancing, and writing. I feel we're very fortunate that she made a career tangent into films, no matter how brief.
Also - anyone who loves this documentary - should check out the book Brooks wrote about the silent era. Good stuff.