► Show Spoiler
This one was ok, but my least favorite of the five.
The idea of the story was interesting enough, but I did not find any of the characters with especially distinctive enough personalities to be intriguing, but instead more just types—with the possible exceptions of Rassendyll and Flavia in their ending scene—and Colonel Sapt, whom I liked a great deal.
One thing is that I had a little trouble following along with the plot details and characters, though the main plot line was plain enough. I think I've mentioned before that following intricate plot threads and keeping a large host of characters sorted out is not my strong point (one-track mind). Did anyone else have any trouble?
I was particularly confused by the goings on in the moments after the attempt on Rassendyll's life. And I kept confusing the dark-haired women and also the friends of Michael. And the good guy Fritz, who seemed to pop up in the middle—where did he come from? The fuzzy, dark print and similarity in appearance of many of the characters, especially at a distance, didn't help (nor did the fact that I was back from the screen on my exercise board—the moving one, not the talking one). Also, I guess having read the book and being familiar with the story beforehand would have made things clearer.
I think my opinion of this film wasn't helped, either, by the fact that I was seeing this right after Varieté, which, though to be fair is a very different kind of film, still leaves this one in the dust in terms of directing, acting, characterization, and, especially, cinematography. The last half-hour portion or so of that film especially is nothing less than a masterpiece of cinematography. But to stay on track... A better score with this one might have improved things, too. The synth one was serviceable, but only just.
I will say that the ending, though, was very poignant and really unexpected. I was sure the real king would decide he was more interested in binge-drinking than being king and decide to abdicate, giving the throne over to Rassendyll for he and Flavia to live happily ever after. But...didn't happen.
I've heard the name Ramon Navarro a lot, but this was my first time seeing him. He was adequate as Black Michael, but his performance didn't seem that outstanding.
Barbara La Marr as Antoinette doesn't seem to do much vamping, but is a more helpful character (unless she vamped some earlier in the film when I was more in a state of confusion by who the different women were?)
One thing I wondered about in terms of the plot: I assume the Raritanians didn't speak English. So wouldn't the fake king's speaking a different language cause a wee problem with the subterfuge? At first I thought maybe it would work if he didn't have to talk, but he did. Also, there would be these logistical problems like the embarrassment of not knowing people you know (you know?). But I guess we have to chalk all that up to the magic of movies.
The idea of the story was interesting enough, but I did not find any of the characters with especially distinctive enough personalities to be intriguing, but instead more just types—with the possible exceptions of Rassendyll and Flavia in their ending scene—and Colonel Sapt, whom I liked a great deal.
One thing is that I had a little trouble following along with the plot details and characters, though the main plot line was plain enough. I think I've mentioned before that following intricate plot threads and keeping a large host of characters sorted out is not my strong point (one-track mind). Did anyone else have any trouble?
I was particularly confused by the goings on in the moments after the attempt on Rassendyll's life. And I kept confusing the dark-haired women and also the friends of Michael. And the good guy Fritz, who seemed to pop up in the middle—where did he come from? The fuzzy, dark print and similarity in appearance of many of the characters, especially at a distance, didn't help (nor did the fact that I was back from the screen on my exercise board—the moving one, not the talking one). Also, I guess having read the book and being familiar with the story beforehand would have made things clearer.
I think my opinion of this film wasn't helped, either, by the fact that I was seeing this right after Varieté, which, though to be fair is a very different kind of film, still leaves this one in the dust in terms of directing, acting, characterization, and, especially, cinematography. The last half-hour portion or so of that film especially is nothing less than a masterpiece of cinematography. But to stay on track... A better score with this one might have improved things, too. The synth one was serviceable, but only just.
I will say that the ending, though, was very poignant and really unexpected. I was sure the real king would decide he was more interested in binge-drinking than being king and decide to abdicate, giving the throne over to Rassendyll for he and Flavia to live happily ever after. But...didn't happen.
I've heard the name Ramon Navarro a lot, but this was my first time seeing him. He was adequate as Black Michael, but his performance didn't seem that outstanding.
Barbara La Marr as Antoinette doesn't seem to do much vamping, but is a more helpful character (unless she vamped some earlier in the film when I was more in a state of confusion by who the different women were?)
One thing I wondered about in terms of the plot: I assume the Raritanians didn't speak English. So wouldn't the fake king's speaking a different language cause a wee problem with the subterfuge? At first I thought maybe it would work if he didn't have to talk, but he did. Also, there would be these logistical problems like the embarrassment of not knowing people you know (you know?). But I guess we have to chalk all that up to the magic of movies.