Josef von Sternberg's The Last Command is another exceptional melodrama from the brilliant filmmaker that tells the story of a high ranking Russian general who flees the Communist revolution in Russia only to find himself poor and working in Hollywood as an extra to make ends meat. Landing a role in a Hollywood picture that has him essentially playing himself, this once proud Russian general finds himself face-to-face with not only his old demons, but one of his old betrayers, a man who is now a Hollywood director. Much of The Last Command's running time takes place in Russia, telling the story of this Russian General, a man with unequivocal power that is only second to the Czar. The film showcases a man who is a priviledged member of this class system, but what makes The Last Command so effective is how Sternberg sympathizes with this character, slowly revealing a man who is doing what he believes is right for the greater good of his country. The Last Command captures the changing guard of old Europe with the New, arguing that the system and individual are not one in the same, with this general being a man doing what he believes is right in the system that is given. Sternberg's visual acumen is once again very impressive, specifically in the revolution scene that finds the General on the wrong side of an angry mob. The whole sequence features beautiufl lighting and masterful compositions, but what Sternberg captures in these moments about humanity's twisted relationship with power is what really stands out. Sternberg reveals the dizzying effect of revolution, with men and women fighting tooth and nail for what they believe is theres for the taking. One man is shot dead over the rights to a woman, who happens to be the General's lover, as if Sternberg is reminding the viewer of the savagery that exists in nearly any revolution. The finale of the film is downright devastating, with The Russian nobleman, played briliiantly by Emil Jannings, having to reenact essentialy the worst day of his life, as he is driven to madness by the emotional exhaustion of the situation. Josef von Sternberg's The Last Command is simply another stellar film by the filmmaker, and another constant reminder of the true power of image and acting, even when no dialogue is required.
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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