They call Erich Von Stroheim the man you love to hate, and after seeing 'Foolish Wives' - the first film of his I've seen - I can see why.
A critical, cynical eye is cast over all who enter, and by the end there are none who escape untarnished. The women are foolish to naively fall for a despicable man's charms, while the man is despicable for taking advantage of them - but while the finger pointing of this film sometimes feels a touch heavy handed, the plot developments are believable enough, and the woes of capitalism driving the characters are apt thematically. After a slow start, the complexity builds nicely as each new character has either a personal of financial stake in the game, which you know cannot end well for all of them.
The picturesque, sunny seaside of rich Monte Carlo is particularly suitable, offering a neat visual metaphor for the themes of evil hiding behind a charming face, and Von Stroheim, unlikeable as his character is, is superb in the lead role.
While not the most enjoyable of company, the complexities of the plot ensure suspense is maintained, and the visuals are impressive throughout.
A critical, cynical eye is cast over all who enter, and by the end there are none who escape untarnished. The women are foolish to naively fall for a despicable man's charms, while the man is despicable for taking advantage of them - but while the finger pointing of this film sometimes feels a touch heavy handed, the plot developments are believable enough, and the woes of capitalism driving the characters are apt thematically. After a slow start, the complexity builds nicely as each new character has either a personal of financial stake in the game, which you know cannot end well for all of them.
The picturesque, sunny seaside of rich Monte Carlo is particularly suitable, offering a neat visual metaphor for the themes of evil hiding behind a charming face, and Von Stroheim, unlikeable as his character is, is superb in the lead role.
While not the most enjoyable of company, the complexities of the plot ensure suspense is maintained, and the visuals are impressive throughout.