Max Ophuls - c/d, s & d?

what did you dislike about it?

still haven't seen Letter From an Unknown Woman or The Reckless Moment

It's stilted in a way those films you cited (Earrings de Madame de..., even La Ronde) aren't. But I've long suspected Lola is one of those Great Films I'll wrestle with for decades. I've read beautiful defenses.

*you cite aren't.

it does have a more stilted quality with all of the spectacle and ceremony, but I was kind of thrilled by that, and I liked that the flashbacks were the heart of it

You're right. He was moving into another manner.

Recently watched Madame de ... with someone who found the title character the weak link; she didn't understand why the men were so smitten. The only defense I could mount was that she does have amazing chemistry with Donati, and she becomes more compelling once her jealous husband makes miserable.

Were they smitten? The most tragic part of the film is the depth of Boyer's commitment, as he discovers on his own. He insists on wanting a friendship (l'amitié) even if they don't sleep together; she wants something absolute, thus violating the terms of the times. But I wouldn't say he was smitten with his wife in any modern sense.

and the way Boyer modulates irony enough to hint at his regard for Louise is exquisite; it's one of my favorite film performances.

now I want to see it again