Marlene

Marlene from 1984 is an intriguing documentary that casts the glamorous and timeless diva, Marlene Dietrich, under the spotlight. Maxmilian Schell, a seasoned actor and filmmaker, crafts an enchanting portrait of a legend, capturing her essence brilliantly. This documentary also features Annie Albers, further enriching the contours of this in-depth film.

This audacious documentary offers insights into Marlene Dietrich's life beyond her stunning stardom, revealing her complex personality and magnanimous spirit. Her life, much like her on-screen persona, was filled with charisma, controversies, and a ceaseless pursuit of excellence. Suitably titled "Marlene," the movie is an ode to her extraordinary persona, one of the brightest stars in the grand galaxy of Hollywood.

The film begins with an enchanting introduction, taking one through a maze of mesmerizing black-and-white images of Dietrich, a visual symphony of her glamour and enigma that is both arresting and alluring. Schell has carefully curated these snippets of her glory, wrapping them up with a bow of nostalgia, respect, and utmost admiration.

Interestingly, the film features no direct footage of the diva herself, who had retired from public life a few years before the documentary's production. As a result, she insisted on only providing audio interviews for the production. But Schell spins this constraint to his advantage, contrasting her articulate voice with scenes from her films, photographs, and, quite revealingly, the apparent tumult occurring behind the scenes of the documentary itself.

Marlene Dietrich takes one on an auditory journey, discovering an artist's life filled with courage, conviction, talent, and an undying love for her craft. From her challenging childhood in Berlin to her soaring success in Hollywood and her later years, the audio interviews reveal an incredibly detailed social and personal history. The movie portrays the life of a woman of leadership and influence, who, through her art and candour, touched the lives of many people, in and outside the world of film.

Maxmilian Schell's presence is pivotal to the documentary. As he conducts the capturing of Marlene's life history, he plays parts of both friend and filmmaker, delivering a balanced, well-rounded portrayal of Dietrich. He moves between his multiple roles effortlessly, showcasing his deep insight, empathy, and sensitivity for his celebrated subject. For instance, while Dietrich is the one narrating her life story, Schell subtly underscores her narration by replaying select scenes from her films that resonate with her insights, heightening emotional connections and enriching our understanding of this icon.

The film doesn't shy away from delving into the more problematic aspects of Dietrich's life and career – her fraught relationships, her unequivocal stance during WWII, her insecurities, her highs and lows. By deviating from the beaten path of celebrating just the star, Schell dares to glimpse the woman behind the glamour, capturing the real essence of Marlene Dietrich.

Annie Albers, who appears in the film in the capacity of an assistant, plays a discreet yet significant role. She helps navigate the challenging terrain of Dietrich's privacy, displaying a profundity that adds to the film's overarching narrative. Albers' participation ensures the continuous flow of communication between Schell and the elusive Dietrich, making her an intriguing part of the storytelling process.

"Marlene" brings forth a unique storytelling approach. Despite Marlene Dietrich's absence from the camera, she is ubiquitously present through her words, her memories, and her life’s portrayal on the screen. The film's framing thus explores the complexity of her life, her enigma, and her charisma that still continues to charm the world. "Marlene" breaks barriers in its format and content, taking an intimate approach to chronicling a legend's life.

In "Marlene", released in 1984, Maxmilian Schell has created a poignant, insightful, intriguing, and ultimately, a captivating tribute to a cinematic legend. Marlene Dietrich may not appear on camera, but she is the focal point of this documentary, her voice melding with visuals to give an engaging representation of her life and career.

Overall, "Marlene" stands as a testament to Dietrich's unparalleled stardom and the astounding woman that she was, painting a vivid picture of her public life and mysterious private persona. It is a must-watch for cinema aficionados and those who love delving deeper into the life of silver screen icons.