Have had appreciated silent films for a long time now, not all are great or hold up particularly well but there are a good number that have aged well and are great (the best classics, like the best of FW Murnau, DW Griffith, early Fritz Lang and early King Vidor). Namely saw 'The Single Standard' for Sweden's greatest actress Greta Garbo, who deserves her reputation as a cinema icon and to be so well loved by many.
Is 'The Single Standard', notable for being her last film with Nils Asther, one of her finest? No, it's not 'Queen Christina', 'Ninotchka' or 'Camille', am not trying to be unfair here as any film deserves to stand on its own without much comparison and 'The Single Standard' is no exception (just wanted to mention a few of my favourites of hers). It still represents her well though, and she is the main reason as to why the film is worth watching. Something of a curiosity and to be seen if you are a die-hard fan of Garbo and want to see every film of hers, but a worthy curio.
'The Single Standard' has not held up particularly well in some areas. But there are other areas where it has aged pretty gracefully. Nothing really is done terribly, if anything the not so good things are more variable.
What varies is the quality of the photography and the performances. Some of the photography is beautifully composed. Some of it is also rather primitive and static. Excepting charming Asther and noble John Mack Brown (Asther faring particularly well in the better written role), both of whom share an amiable chemistry with her, the supporting cast don't really stand out very much. Being a mix of theatrical and dull, pretty much eclipsed throughout by Garbo.
Faring weakest is the story, which is very familiar, conventional ground (even at the time) and can be fairly improbable and creaky.
Garbo really captivates though, and has slyness, grace and allure in bucketloads and a presence that is never less than riveting. As said, Asther and Brown give nice performances and complement her well, while John S. Robertson directs sensitively. The costumes are sumptuous, Garbo always looks ravishing, and the well designed sets don't seem too stuffy or stage-bound. The photography as said is variable, but it never quite fits my definition of terrible.
Music fits like a glove with a subtle charm and not hammering home. The film is entertaining and charming throughout, despite the story not being the greatest, and generally it doesn't feel draggy.
In conclusion, nice film and to be seen for Garbo, captivating as ever. 7/10
Is 'The Single Standard', notable for being her last film with Nils Asther, one of her finest? No, it's not 'Queen Christina', 'Ninotchka' or 'Camille', am not trying to be unfair here as any film deserves to stand on its own without much comparison and 'The Single Standard' is no exception (just wanted to mention a few of my favourites of hers). It still represents her well though, and she is the main reason as to why the film is worth watching. Something of a curiosity and to be seen if you are a die-hard fan of Garbo and want to see every film of hers, but a worthy curio.
'The Single Standard' has not held up particularly well in some areas. But there are other areas where it has aged pretty gracefully. Nothing really is done terribly, if anything the not so good things are more variable.
What varies is the quality of the photography and the performances. Some of the photography is beautifully composed. Some of it is also rather primitive and static. Excepting charming Asther and noble John Mack Brown (Asther faring particularly well in the better written role), both of whom share an amiable chemistry with her, the supporting cast don't really stand out very much. Being a mix of theatrical and dull, pretty much eclipsed throughout by Garbo.
Faring weakest is the story, which is very familiar, conventional ground (even at the time) and can be fairly improbable and creaky.
Garbo really captivates though, and has slyness, grace and allure in bucketloads and a presence that is never less than riveting. As said, Asther and Brown give nice performances and complement her well, while John S. Robertson directs sensitively. The costumes are sumptuous, Garbo always looks ravishing, and the well designed sets don't seem too stuffy or stage-bound. The photography as said is variable, but it never quite fits my definition of terrible.
Music fits like a glove with a subtle charm and not hammering home. The film is entertaining and charming throughout, despite the story not being the greatest, and generally it doesn't feel draggy.
In conclusion, nice film and to be seen for Garbo, captivating as ever. 7/10