Blind Husbands

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Nick M @RT62896014 Oct 8, 2024 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. See more

Thomas M @TMProofreader Jan 27, 2019 The best romance movie ever made! See more

spencer p @s_plewe May 17, 2016 With wonderful direction, natural acting, and strong, realistic emotion; Stroheim makes an emblematic debut into film with this marriage story. See more

Sep 24, 2015 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. See more

Oct 10, 2011 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. See more

Feb 2, 2009 A very good but somewhat stiff film. Von Stroheim plays his usual officer character but the whole story lacks of depth and nuances. See more

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Blind Husbands

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