Yet, HERE! Perhaps the most intimate documentary ever filmed.
An 82-year old legend who refuses to be photographed, yet whose voice alone raises hackles, cackles and longing over a brilliant assemblage of stock and custom footage.
As much as anything, "Marlene" is a film about trying to film somebody: trying to know somebody.
"Nein, nein, nein," it begins. "No, no no," Marlene instantly dismisses us and this documentary.
Its last word, from Dietrich's own lips, finally resigned, crying softly, is, "Maybe." One of the most haunting, heartbreaking films ever made.
Never has there been as deep a glance into any other screen Goddess' life as this.
Ironic. The most private, iconic of early screen actresses, extends her career for nearly sixty years -- including live performances around the world (unlike, say, Greta Garbo) and culminates in one of the more enigmatic yet fulfilling performances of the century with her voice alone in "Marlene." Thanks solely to Maximillian Schell, whose genius as a film maker rose to Dietrich's genius as a tart risen to lady and finally to goddess.
"Maybe." Indeed.
