100 All-Time Films (To see the entire list, click here)
Josef Von Sternberg’s The Scarlet Empress (1934)
The finest example of the great collaborations between director Josef Von Sternberg and actress Marlene Dietrich, The Scarlet Empress is one of the best German Expressionist films to come out of cinema. Like The Night of the Hunter on this list, it is a one-of-a-kind film that is unique in almost every single way.
The film recounts the rise of power of Empress Catherine II of Russia (Catherine the Great) in a historical melodramatic sort of way. What stands out in the film is the elaborate designed sets and the moodily sculpted cinematography. It definitely had an excessive amount of expressionistic images but in my opinion, it could have used more. The sculptures and sets set the mood for a weird romantic passion that portrays Catherine as a sex-crazed woman. The Scarlet Empress was one of the last mainstream films in Hollywood to be released before the Hays Code (the censorship guidelines) was strictly enforced.
Dietrich is riveting on screen while her supporting cast are mere accessories. She plays it so delicately in the beginning and slowly transforms into the strong empowered woman that Catherine the Great is known to be. You can see how much Von Sternberg loves her as the camera is so enamored with her face. This is the epitome of star worship and Dietrich without a doubt is that star vehicle behind this film.
The film doesn’t have the best script but it is lifted by the unforgettable images with its lighting, shadows, faces, and the way the image moves. You’ll laugh at the hammy performances and craziness, but will love the ride it takes you on. It is the prototypical star vehicle that classic Hollywood is so well known for nowadays.
