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| Monday, January 7, 2008 01:25 PM |
| On the Viewer: Trouble in Paradise |
 by Fëanor |
Trouble in Paradise is a movie that I believe went on my film wish list when I read about it in film class in college - or possibly when I read about it in a film book since then. Regardless, it ended up on the list because it's said to be pretty much the quintessential film by Ernst Lubitsch. Lubitsch is one of those grand old Hollywood directors I'd heard a lot about but had seen nothing by. He essentially created the genre of the Hollywood romantic comedy - but his romantic comedies were witty, clever, fresh, urbane, sophisticated, funny, and sexy; basically everything the modern romantic comedy is not.
Trouble in Paradise was made in 1932 just before the Code came to Hollywood, so it's a bit naughty, although never lewd (there are certainly no sex scenes, and the few kisses we see are rather cold and passionless, although they aren't supposed to be - it's one of the film's few flaws). It's about a thief/con woman named Lily (Miriam Hopkins) and a thief/con man named Gaston Monescu (Herbert Marshall) who meet trying to con and rob each other and instantly fall in passionate love. But eventually the money runs out and they decide on a new scheme to make some more - gain the confidence of the ridiculously rich Madame Mariette Colet (Kay Francis) and rip her off. Gaston has no trouble getting close to Mariette, but the old man who runs Mariette's company for her is not so trusting and begins to suspect Gaston. Worse still, one of Colet's bumbling suitors happens to be a man that Gaston robbed at the beginning of the movie, and it's only a matter of time before recognition comes. Worst of all, Gaston is starting to fall for Mariette for real, and must decide between his two loves and escape before all of his schemes crash in on him.
It's a great film, very cleverly written, filmed, and edited, with fantastic dialogue, wonderful characters, and an exciting story. It's also quite funny. If you think that all black and white films from the '30s must be dull, slow, and overwrought, think again - this movie is creative, fast-paced, subtle, and a true joy to watch. Like most romantic comedies, it's a bit light and airy, but not every movie has to have a deep lesson about life to be worthwhile. Definitely recommended. |
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