The Devil's Wheel
Typically of the heady days of early Soviet cinema, this is constructed according to the fast, sharp editing principles advocated by Eisenstein, complete with symbolic inserts; but in terms of subject matter, it's much less explicitly political than most movies emerging from Russia in the '20s. Chronicling a young sailor's descent into a murky, treacherous underworld of pimps and thieves, after having encountered a Louise Brooks lookalike at a fairground and missed his departing boat, it's a lively moral fable that delights in vivid visual effects and quirky characterisations. If the plot occasionally reveals gaping holes, and the tacked-on ending urging the clearance of the Leningrad slums seems to be rather gratuitous, there's enough going on to keep one attentive and amused.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of a young woman who is torn between her love for a poor artist and the advances of a wealthy older man. She ultimately must choose between her desires and societal expectations, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1926, contemporary critical reception is not widely documented in the way modern films are. However, it is recognized for its melodramatic themes and performances typical of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Melodramatic narrative exploring themes of love and societal pressure.
- Features performances characteristic of the silent film era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
Lucien Nonguet was a prolific director in the early French cinema, known for his work in melodramas and comedies.
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