Movie spotlight
The Exquisite Sinner
Adapted by Alice Duer Miller from a novel by Alden Brooks, the film concerns a young man who forsakes the humdrum business world for the bohemian life of an artist. Josef von Sternberg had been the original director of Exquisite Sinner, but MGM was dissatisfied with the picture and refused to release it. When the film finally surfaced in 1926 (a full year after its completion), it had been radically altered by staff director Phil Rosen.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy and bored young woman from London travels to Egypt seeking excitement and finds herself entangled in a passionate affair with a charismatic Arab chieftain. Their forbidden romance is fraught with cultural differences and societal expectations, leading to dramatic consequences for both.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, "The Exquisite Sinner" received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising Gloria Swanson's performance and the film's exotic setting. However, some found the plot to be melodramatic and the pacing uneven. It is considered a notable early work by Josef von Sternberg and a showcase for Swanson's star power.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Gloria Swanson's compelling performance and exotic visuals.
Criticized by some for its melodramatic plot and pacing issues.
An interesting early example of Sternberg's directorial style and Swanson's cinematic presence.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for "The Exquisite Sinner" is not readily available due to its age and limited distribution.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be directed by Ernst Lubitsch, but Josef von Sternberg took over the project, bringing his own distinct visual style to the production.
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