Foolish Wives [Blu-ray]

BLAST FROM THE PAST
In 1922, Universal Pictures commissioned Erich von Stroheim to direct, write, and star in "Foolish Wives". His first film, "Blind Husbands",was quite a hit. His second film, "Devil's Passkey", has turned to dust. Prof. Arthur Lennig has edited the clearest scenes from 2 Italian versions of this ancient classic, and for the first time you may see and own the most complete edition of "Foolish Wives" in startling DVD. Green and orange sepia toned sequences alter the mood and story. "Foolish Wives" opens with von Stroheim munching on real caviar and Russian cigarettes as he gazes out of his oceanside chateau with his two female consorts. This begins his story of a bogus European count out to defraud and seduce unwary American tourists' wives. The first film to sport a Million Dollar budget, von Stroheim reconstructed an authentic replica of the Monte Carlo casino on the Universal back lot. A tour of Universal Studios today reveals no trace...

"Foolish Wives" : One of Stroheim's Best!
Erich Von Stroheim was an absolute genius and brought the art of movie making to new heights. In a time when many films consisted of room shots with the individuals in frame overacting to compensate for the lack of sound, Stroheim was developing complex characters, plot twists and subtle nuances. He understood that a certain look, movement of the eyes, or quick smile could tell an audience more about a character than 10 title cards.

"Foolish Wives" is genuinely wonderful film that shows Erich Von Stroheim at one of his best moments; Not only writing & directing, but starring in the film itself as a hoaxing opportunist very much addicted to using women and very much in need of money. He finds a vulnerable woman that allows him to begin weaving his web of seduction over her emotional and financial state.

"Foolish Wives" is an excellent film, compared to silents and talkies alike, "Foolish Wives" holds it's own.

Will someone please do a remake of this?
Von Stroheim's tale of a foolish wife of an American Ambassador falling for a lecherous and amoral count (Von Stroheim) still has the power to fascinate and manipulate audiences. Stroheim's attention to detail gives amazing psychological depth to the characters with some lurid details thrown in for good measure. A tale of amorality that almost goes too far until it is all redeemed with the lead character being dumped in a sewer-where he belonged. A great film with a dramatic story that holds up quite well today.

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