Comments on: Lubitsch in Berlin DVD http://www.altfg.com/blog/classics/lubitsch-in-berlin/ thinking film Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:49:05 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: James http://www.altfg.com/blog/classics/lubitsch-in-berlin/#comment-194699 James Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:26:26 +0000 http://www.altfg.com/blog/classics/lubitsch-in-berlin/#comment-194699 I have to admit, I didn't find the Lubitsch "touch" much visible in these films. The comedy was too broad and the characters in many cases too cartoonish for my tastes, although the films are interesting to see a famous director in his early career. "I Don't Want To Be A Man" was probably my favorite of the collection. Well paced, and nicely handled comedy with some very interesting touches. And Ossi Osswalda was delightful. Although any similarities between her and Mary Pickford are lost on me. But, that one for me-with it's more subtle handling and suggestiveness-was probably closest to what we appreciate about the Lubitsch of the 20's, 30's and 40's in Hollywood. The films on the set aren't in any way "bad" films from my point of view and offer an interesting perspective. But folks used to Lubitsch's later American films might find these disappointing or unusual. But all are definitely worth seeing. I have to admit, I didn’t find the Lubitsch “touch” much visible in these films. The comedy was too broad and the characters in many cases too cartoonish for my tastes, although the films are interesting to see a famous director in his early career.

“I Don’t Want To Be A Man” was probably my favorite of the collection. Well paced, and nicely handled comedy with some very interesting touches. And Ossi Osswalda was delightful. Although any similarities between her and Mary Pickford are lost on me. But, that one for me-with it’s more subtle handling and suggestiveness-was probably closest to what we appreciate about the Lubitsch of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s in Hollywood.

The films on the set aren’t in any way “bad” films from my point of view and offer an interesting perspective. But folks used to Lubitsch’s later American films might find these disappointing or unusual. But all are definitely worth seeing.

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