With very simple, touching and understated performances for a silent film, this is an interesting exploration of women's roles in the 1920s.
A 4 way love tangle ensues as two outwardly very different woman (both played very well by Norma Shearer) try to find love and meaning in life. One is a pampered rich girl, one is a tough, semi-prostitute who grew up in reform school.
But by having Shearer play both women, the film concisely and visually makes the point that they are more alike in their humanity, than different in their outward styles.
Basically a bittersweet melodrama, this rises to well above average on it's intelligence, elegant visual style and acting.
On the other hand, lot of people see this as a flat out masterpiece, but it didn't have that kind of deep effect on me, at least on first viewing. But I'll be curious to see it again.
A 4 way love tangle ensues as two outwardly very different woman (both played very well by Norma Shearer) try to find love and meaning in life. One is a pampered rich girl, one is a tough, semi-prostitute who grew up in reform school.
But by having Shearer play both women, the film concisely and visually makes the point that they are more alike in their humanity, than different in their outward styles.
Basically a bittersweet melodrama, this rises to well above average on it's intelligence, elegant visual style and acting.
On the other hand, lot of people see this as a flat out masterpiece, but it didn't have that kind of deep effect on me, at least on first viewing. But I'll be curious to see it again.