Josef von Sternberg's The Blue Angel

a.k.a. The Blue Angel

I've only recently delved into the world that is Josef von Sternberg. My first -- and frankly, still my favorite -- film was The Scarlet Empress. It was also my introduction to Marlene Dietrich, who, without a doubt, deserves her spot at #9 on AFI's 100 Stars list. Josef von Sternberg, a lot like Ophuls, uses his leading lady with absolute brilliance. Marlene Dietrich as Lola if a force to be reckoned with. Both Marlene and Lola are in complete control of their given situation; Marlene for her control over Lola, and Lola for her control over the men she encounters. 

The film follows Professor Immanuel Rath, a prominent and well respected professor at the local college. After one of his students tattled as to the going ons of his students (they spent their evenings at the burlesque house to view the vivacious Lola), Prof. Immanuel finds himself at said burlesque house to retrieve his students and chastise them for viewing such smut. Only to, of course, find himself smitten by Lola. Rather predictable, but it's at this point that the film's story really opens up. Immanuel, again, well respected, honorable and a man of great pride, devolves into nothing. He becomes but a shadow of his former self, and of course, over a woman. 

Though one thing that I find fascinating, is Lola's knowledge of herself. She knows her power over men, and when one sees her actions, it's not quite clear what power that is. She's condescending, neglectful, and in her own world, but maybe these are the qualities that make her so irresistible. She's hard to win over (though the Professor's "cuteness" and innocent qualities -- carnally speaking of course -- won her over.) She sings: 

Falling in love again. Never wanted to. What am I to do? I can't help it.

And she isn't so much talking about herself, it's the men that follow and fall head over heels for her. 

Any person that says that women never get "juicy" rolls clearly knows nothing about cinema. From Max Ophuls, to Kenji Mizoguchi, to Alain Robbe-Grillet, hell even to Lars von Trier (though I hate his misogynic* guts) all have leading ladies that rival even the greatest of male actors. Marlene Dietrich in both this and The Scarlet Empress, is both stunning and menacing. Similar to Gene Tierney in Leave Her to Heaven, she controls all around her, the world is her play thing.

While I doubt I'll like a Josef von Sternberg film more than The Scarlet Empress, I still can't wait to watch more of his films. Combo that with his work with Marlene Dietrich, and you have a match made in heaven.

--

* I know "misogynic" is not a word, but it's the only word that can get my point across.