Screening of restored LOLA MONTES

This Cinematheque Ontario presentation of LOLA MONTES is a beautifully restored version of the Max Ophuls 1955 classic shown in one of the director’s cuts.

LOLA MONTES (France/Germany 1955) ****
Directed by Max Ophuls

The film opens with a circus act as the ringmaster (Peter Ustinov speaking in perfect French) introducing his spectators (and the film’s audience) to the one and only extraordinary international cabaret dancer Lola Montes (Martin Carol).  The intro is long and the verbal delivery magnificent, as if to entice the audience into the life of this celebrity.  Through flashbacks, director Ophuls offer selected portions of Lola’s life including her love affairs with Franz Liszt, Ludwig I, the King of Bavarian and a handsome student (played by a very young Oscar Werner).

From the very first scene, the audience is treated as an observer – but one that is left to form his or her own conclusions of Lola. Ophul’s heroine is depicted to be ahead of her times, sexy and intelligent.  Even when she beds down her conquests, the audience feels like a spectator.  Despite the sordid theme, Ophuls’ film looks classier than dirty, the way the audience feels toward the heroine.  Ophuls blends in reality with fantasy and the untouchable with the common with a film that is both artsy and entertaining.  Ophul’s film is stunningly shot – from the props, costumes and set design.  Ophuls takes his time to tell her story but every gorgeous minute is worth it.

LOLA MONTES screens at the Cinematheque Ontario, Jackman Hall, Toronto.  For more information on tickets, pricing and venue check the website at:
http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca
Screening times:
March 20, 21 (Fri, Sat) at 7 pm and March 22, Sunday at 1 pm