Review of Applause (2009) by Katie S — 23 Aug 2008
Rouben Mamoulian was a visionary, and you can see his genius in every frame of this film. There is nothing static about the camera work in this 1929 tragedy. Yes, the story is a bit creaky to modern eyes, and the dialog can be a little heavy-handed, but the story is darker than would be allowed just a few years later, and very adult.
Helen Morgan is a revelation - almost unrecognizable in her dowdy costume and peroxide wig. Joan Peers is suitably terrified of her step-father, who is believably horrific. Further, the Kino DVD has all sorts of great extras that are worth the price of admission on their own.
Terrific find.
This review of Applause (2009) was written by Katie S on 23 Aug 2008.
Applause has generally received positive reviews.
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