American Cinematographer - September 2008 - (Page 64) Redemption A digital restoration of Lola Montès presents Max Ophüls’ final film in its original glory. by Stephanie Argy Frame grabs by Technicolor n December 1955, Lola Montès had its premiere at the Marignan Theater in Paris. Directed by Max Ophüls, one of France’s most accomplished directors, the 19th-century costume drama was highly anticipated and heavily promoted. It starred Martine Carol, then one of the most famous actresses in France, as the titular character, a A Long-Awaited I 64 September 2008 dancer and notorious adventuress who climbed society’s ladder, engaging in affairs with dukes, kings and other famous men along the way. Given the subject matter, the star and the advance publicity, moviegoers expected a pleasantly scandalous tale of sex and intrigue. Instead, they found themselves watching a pessimistic, almost mournful account of a woman isolated and exploited by nearly everyone around her, and they were furious. As Ophüls and his son, Marcel, watched in despair, the audience streamed out of the theater, warning away those waiting in line for the next screening. Critical reaction was equally harsh. One critic derided the movie as being “heavily
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