Blind Husbands

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Nick M Stroheim's directorial debut is difficult to assess. Through most of it I was terribly bored, but then the last 20 minutes were intensely interesting and brought all of the labor together to form a competent picture. The story was told and the film constructed with confidence and skill, but most of the foreshadowing and major plot points were telegraphed so clearly that the directing upstaged the movie itself. Its wiki page shares two contrasting biographers' assessments. The first calls it "the most impressive and significant debut film in Hollywood history" until Citizen Kane, and the second declares it "an apprentice work, exasperating in its infantile narcissism, its unleashing of the director's wish-fulfillment fantasies." Both ring true to me. Stroheim is vying for a seat at the big boys' table, and isn't taking "no" for an answer, but either his lack of experience precluded subtlety in his approach, or he was paranoid that anything other than over-the-top statements wouldn't earn him notice. There is also perhaps a condescension here - a lack of respect for the intelligence of his audience? He has managed to infuse so much of himself in the picture that you get a real sense of the man's personality and vision. Unfortunately, having done that I'm left with the distinct impression that I don't like the man. Regardless, the payout at the end justified the time spent getting there, and featured some incredible cinematography and athleticism. It is an impressive film that I found somewhat enjoyable and intelligently produced, but I can't see myself recommending it to anyone. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/08/24 Full Review Audience Member The best romance movie ever made! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review david l Blind Husbands is weaker in first act and it could have been even better overall, but it is still a very entertaining and interesting film about adultery. The second act is a lot of fun and the third is a spectacle. The film is very cozy, but also atmospheric accompanied by excellent imagery and superb cinematography that utilized its mountain setting so well. And the ending is romantic and sweet leading to a very good and interesting directorial debut from Erich von Stroheim. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review spencer p With wonderful direction, natural acting, and strong, realistic emotion; Stroheim makes an emblematic debut into film with this marriage story. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Not one of Stroheim's best. The subject matter is similar to "Foolish Wives", but this plays like a fairly routine melodrama when compared to that grand epic. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member An enjoyable silent film with Erich von Stroheim on fine form. The film is often funny and it is quite captivating for a silent film. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Blind Husbands

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