The Strange Woman

The Strange Woman is a heady and dramatic period piece released in 1946, starring the inimitable Hedy Lamarr alongside George Sanders and Louis Hayward. The film stands out not just for the performances of its leads but also for its clear, intense look at the destructive power of manipulation and the far-reaching effects it can have on individual lives and larger communities.

Set in the early 19th-century Bangor, Maine, The Strange Woman tells the story of Jenny Hager, played by the radiant Hedy Lamarr, who is the charismatic yet manipulative daughter of an abusive drunkard. As she grows, so too does her ambition and calculating nature, leading her to ruthlessly manipulate the men around her to climb the social ladder. Jenny's ambition, intelligence, and beauty, combined with a reckless disregard for the consequences of her actions, make her a fearsomely compelling character, and Lamarr’s nuanced performance brings out these contradictions in her character perfectly, combining allure with a threatening edge.

George Sanders and Louis Hayward support Lamarr in the key roles of her victims cum partners. Sanders' character, John Everett, is a wealthy businessman whose life takes a turn for the catastrophic upon crossing paths with Lamarr's character. Hayward portrays Ephraim Poster, a wealthy older man who becomes one of Jenny's primary victims. Both actors deliver captivating performances, adding depth to their roles and the narrative.

While The Strange Woman is categorized as a film noir, it is a genre-bending piece of cinema that both audiences and critics have praised for its distinct flavor. The movie is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the murky moral landscape that it paints is very reminiscent of the more psychological thrillers of the era. The film uses the dark, moody atmosphere characteristic of noir and combines it with the lavish sets and costumes of historical drama, creating a setting that's both visually striking and thematically resonant.

Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, The Strange Woman makes excellent use of contrast and shadow to enhance the film's mood and to highlight Jenny's moral ambiguities. Lamarr's performance is beautifully lit, making her seem both alluring and dangerous, a beacon of light in the murky shadows of the film's world. The look of the film contributes significantly to its overall impact, leveraging the strengths of the noir style to underscore its themes and add a sense of impending doom.

Instead of settling for simple, one-dimensional characterizations, the film adds several layers to Jenny, skilfully capturing the dichotomy within her. Jenny is not merely a villain; she's also a victim of her circumstances, and the film makes it clear that her manipulative nature and unbridled ambition are the survival tools she developed to overcome a traumatic past. The way she's both fascinated by and terrified of the power she holds over men is a significant part of her character.

The Strange Woman's screenplay, adapted from the novel of the same name by Ben Ames Williams, is another of its great strengths. The film’s dialogue is remarkable, with several lines hinting at the philosophical underpinnings of the story. The script explores themes of power and corruption, manipulative behavior, societal expectations, and the dangerous allure of beauty.

The Strange Woman stands apart from other films of its time in its depiction of a morally ambiguous woman as its protagonist. It's a trendsetter film, presenting a complex female character who uses her intelligence and charm to maintain her independence and exert control in a society that offers her little freedom otherwise. Lamarr's character is not merely a seductress but a shrewd survivor, making the most of what life has handed out to her.

In conclusion, The Strange Woman is a riveting, multi-layered drama that excels in portraying a complex, morally ambiguous character played superbly by Hedy Lamarr. It's a film that's as visually captivating as it is thematically intriguing, blending elements of film noir with that of period dramas. For fans of classical cinema, this film not only offers a unique viewing experience but also a chance to witness one of Hedy Lamarr's most nuanced performances.