Review of The Temptress (1926) by Jason M — 04 Oct 2015

While sort of all over the place, The Temptress is undeniably entertaining. The film moves from beat to beat with purpose and without lagging terribly long, leading to an enjoyable viewing experience. Where the film gets into a bit of trouble is with its characters.

Very seldom are their motivations ever really explained. Why do Elena and Robledo fall in love in the first place? Why did Elena marry Marquis de Torre Bianca if she never loved him? Who is Manos Duras and why doesn't he want the dam built? These questions are all presented in the film and never really answered, thus leaving many of the characters feeling more hollow internally than they should given their complex external actions.

The film is also a bit troubling from a feminist stand-point but welcome to the 1920s. In the end, The Temptress, while somewhat hollow, is still an entertaining film.