Foolish Wives: Amazon.ca: Video

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A beautiful reconstruction of Erich von Stroheim's classic silent feature. Publicized as the first film to cost a million dollars, "Foolish Wives" was at once praised for its extravagant visual design and condemned for its portrayal of a rogue count's unbridled and often peculiar sexual obsessions. The plot concerns the actions of the "Count" and two of his mistresses posing as his cousins as they set about separating rich ladies from their fortunes. In every way characteristic of writer/director/star von Stroheim's greatest works, "Foolish Wives" has over time gained a reputation as the great director's other masterwork, ranking second only to "Greed." The film is mastered from the original restored print.

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5 Reviews

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4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars BLAST FROM THE PAST, Dec 21 2000

By

brad baker (ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foolish Wives (DVD)

In 1922, Universal Pictures commissioned Erich von Stroheim to direct, write, and star in "Foolish Wives". His first film, "Blind Husbands",was quite a hit. His second film, "Devil's Passkey", has turned to dust. Prof. Arthur Lennig has edited the clearest scenes from 2 Italian versions of this ancient classic, and for the first time you may see and own the most complete edition of "Foolish Wives" in startling DVD. Green and orange sepia toned sequences alter the mood and story. "Foolish Wives" opens with von Stroheim munching on real caviar and Russian cigarettes as he gazes out of his oceanside chateau with his two female consorts. This begins his story of a bogus European count out to defraud and seduce unwary American tourists' wives. The first film to sport a Million Dollar budget, von Stroheim reconstructed an authentic replica of the Monte Carlo casino on the Universal back lot. A tour of Universal Studios today reveals no trace of this once famous set. I recommend this tale of kinky sex and mild debauchery as it winds down to a surprise ending. Just three years later, he directed "Greed" at MGM. It is now considered among the one-or-two greatest films of alltime. Eventually, Hollywood studios barred Erich von Stroheim from directing any more lavish, expensive epics. They said his style was over-rated. They've been copying and re-inventing it ever since.

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5.0 out of 5 stars "Foolish Wives" - A 1920's Costumer Designer's Delight, May 7 2001

By

Gelvin (Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foolish Wives (VHS Tape)

My main interest in Erich von Stroheim's 1922 silent film classic "Foolish Wives" is in the use of lavish background sets and the glittering costumes which represent Monte Carlo in the 1920's.

I was surfing through TV channels and came upon the Turner Classic movie already in progress. As I watched the rich black and white images, it seemed as if I were looking at an album of old photographs which came to life.

I'm buying a copy of this movie because I'm intrigued by the furniture, the use of everyday articles of the 1920's, and the formal dress. And, hey, it's not a bad story, either!

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5.0 out of 5 stars "Foolish Wives" : One of Stroheim's Best!, Oct 9 2000

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Nate Goyer (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foolish Wives (DVD)

Erich Von Stroheim was an absolute genius and brought the art of movie making to new heights. In a time when many films consisted of room shots with the individuals in frame overacting to compensate for the lack of sound, Stroheim was developing complex characters, plot twists and subtle nuances. He understood that a certain look, movement of the eyes, or quick smile could tell an audience more about a character than 10 title cards.

"Foolish Wives" is genuinely wonderful film that shows Erich Von Stroheim at one of his best moments; Not only writing & directing, but starring in the film itself as a hoaxing opportunist very much addicted to using women and very much in need of money. He finds a vulnerable woman that allows him to begin weaving his web of seduction over her emotional and financial state.

"Foolish Wives" is an excellent film, compared to silents and talkies alike, "Foolish Wives" holds it's own.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best american silent films!
Erich Von Stroheim was a genius, if there a god in heaven he will help the humanity to find the missing two howrs that had been cut by the producers! Read more

Published on Aug 26 2000 by kofifo walah

5.0 out of 5 stars Will someone please do a remake of this?
Von Stroheim's tale of a foolish wife of an American Ambassador falling for a lecherous and amoral count (Von Stroheim) still has the power to fascinate and manipulate audiences... Read more