Ecstasy (Extase)
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Movie Reviews of Ecstasy (Extase)
Movie Review: A pleasant surprise
Summary: 3 Stars
As with some of the others who reviewed this film, I rented it to see what the fuss was about, once upon a time, and found instead a surprisingly solid film. Hedy gives a very nice performance, even when fully clothed, which is after all, almost all of the film. In the beginning she is a young bride married to a middle aged man and it would have been nice to have had some scene to set up why she got married to this old fellow to begin with, but it's obvious from the start this isn't going anywhere fast, and Hedy goes into a slow death from lack of love, both the physical and emotional. Her performance is very sympathetic and the audience is inclined and expected to be indulgent with her. But her husband isn't played for laughs either, and the scene in which he finally realizes he's being cuckholded is itself very touching. Neither character is morally condemned in the course of the film, nor is her Lover for that matter. For a film that is largely silent, the acting is very modern in style and restrained. There are some pecularities for the modern viewer, especially in the final scenes where we get lots of shots of sturdy working men doing sturdy physical labor, with picks and shovels, building a new Germany I suppose. Maybe that was the price of getting the film released in 1933 Germany. Lots of emphasis on nature, with horses indulging in horse behavior, and lots of gypsies as well. But this is actually a fairly thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive film and well worth watching. And, Heddy in the buff is still pleasant to look at.Movie Review: Early movie about sexual passion
Summary: 3 Stars
This would have made a very good silent movie as it has the expressive power of that medium. What spoken dialogue there is (and the speaking scenes are brief) doesn't add much to the visuals here. First of all, it isn't pornographic. The brief nude scenes are about as arousing as those old nudist camp movies. The nudity takes place in nature and it is completely naturalistic in tone. Second, this is the first film to depict a woman's orgasm (we only see the woman's face but there is plenty to suggest what is going on between her and the man). The plot is simple: a beautiful young woman marries an old coot who is too tired (or impotent) to satisfy her - even on her wedding night. She takes up with a young, virile hunk instead. We get lots of nature scenes, sunshine, horses, swimming, etc. The point of the film seems to be that sex is as natural as - well, nature, and shouldn't be denied. Who wants to argue with that? Certainly not me. Hedy Lamarr is very pretty here. It isn't a great film but it is still sensual and lovely in places. No, it won't turn you on if you are used to being bludgeoned over the head by the typical hard-core porn film made today but it has a sweetness and poetry about it that makes it still worth a look even if it is dated.Movie Review: One star for film quality
Summary: 1 Stars
I was amazed by some of the camerawork in this film, enjoyed the inclusion of nudity and sensuality, and was awed by the forceful (propaganda?) images of manual laborers towards the end. The story is simple, but involving. If the film quality were good, I would give this film four or five stars. But I must warn you that while quite a few films this old have survived the ravages of time, or have been restored in one way or another, this film is in absolutely dreadful condition. The soundtrack hisses and rattles (deranging the music, since there is practically no dialogue), and the celluoid is thoroughly scratched, not to mention split asunder by occasional "thunderbolts." Perhaps it would have been too expensive to attempt a complete restoration of this particular film, but for the high price of the DVD, you'd expect some attempt to correct at least some of the damage. (Note: Anyone wishing to buy this strictly for the nude scenes will be largely disappointed because the nudity is mostly distant, and the film quality leaves most of the details to the viewer's imagination.) "Extase" definitely merits restoration, if it is feasible. As it is, the film quality so distracts from the viewing experience that it's painful to watch.Movie Review: A Thing of Beauty - Lost Forever
Summary: 1 Stars
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Hedy Lamarr had a body which was absolutely beautiful.
One scene in Ecstasy showed her beauty, with full frontal nudity, at the young age of 18. It was included in this movie for all the world to see, and appreciate, forever. However, when I puchased this DVD, that particular scene was not included. Some idiot editor deleted that scene.
So, now, thanks to some idiot editor at Amazon, that thing of beauty is lost - forever!
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