Review of Lola Montès (1955) by Martin T — 01 Oct 2009

Displays all the magnificently choreographed camera movement that you expect from Ophuls. The framework is an interesting device that allows for a lot of spectacle. But it's kinda dull, and I didn't feel at all engrossed by Lola or her activities.

There's a hint of a feminist idea here, but Ophuls seems reluctant to commit, alternately portraying Lola as a free-spirited heroine and a passive victim of male-dominated society. Nice cinematography, but so far the weakest film I've seen from Ophuls.