Liliom
Two women love the same man in a world of few prospects. In Budapest, Liliom is a "public figure," a rascal who's a carousel barker, loved by the experienced merry-go-round owner and by a young, innocent maid. The maid, Julie, loses her job after going out with Liliom; he's fired by his jealous employer for going out with Julie. The two lovers move in with Julie's aunt; unemployment emasculates him and a local weasel tempts him with crime. Julie, now wan, is true to Liliom even in his bad temper. Meanwhile, a stolid widower, a carpenter, wants to marry Julie. Is there any future on this earth for Julie and Liliom, whose love is passionate rather than ideal?
Insights
Plot Summary
A drifter named Liliom works at a carnival, charming women and stealing their money. He falls deeply in love with Julie, a servant girl, and proposes marriage, despite his criminal past and lack of prospects. When Julie becomes pregnant, Liliom attempts to rob a bank to provide for his family, leading to tragic consequences. The film then explores themes of redemption and the afterlife as Liliom grapples with his actions and seeks a way to atone.
Critical Reception
Fritz Lang's 1934 adaptation of Ferenc Molnár's play "Liliom" is a visually striking and thematically rich film, though it received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics at the time praised Lang's directorial vision and the performances, particularly Charles Boyer's charismatic yet flawed portrayal of Liliom. However, some found the supernatural elements and the shift in tone challenging to reconcile with the earlier dramatic scenes. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its unique blend of social commentary and fantasy, while others found it less accessible than more conventional dramas.
What Reviewers Say
- Visually impressive direction by Fritz Lang.
- Charles Boyer delivers a memorable performance as the titular character.
- The blend of gritty realism and fantastical elements was divisive.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for Liliom (1934) is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment from that platform.
Fun Fact
This film is one of the few directorial efforts by Fritz Lang that was not made in Germany or Hollywood, being produced in France.
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