The lack of establishing and tracking shots can make the geography of silent films strange. (And why is silent movie music so goddam weird?) Nevertheless the story of free-spirited Lulu's descent into hell is still absorbing stuff, although claims about film's sexuality are overrated. Memorable. Who's the older guy in her apartment in beginning? 'It's funny how you can get booze on credit, but not bread.' Lulu sold to the Egyptian for £300. The sailor whose clothes she borrows. The desperation of the besotted countess. And finally, the survival of the old schemer (who Lulu delightfully refers to a 'My first ... patron') who manages to wheedle his Christmas pudding.
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Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner, Francis Lederer
Ph. Günther Krampf
