Watch Foolish Wives

Foolish Wives, released in 1922, is a silent drama film directed and produced by the legendary filmmaker, Erich von Stroheim. The movie is set in a picturesque European town of Monte Carlo, where three women, all in different relationships with their respective partners, tempt an American diplomat, Andrew J. Hughes (Rudolph Christians).

Hughes is a man with a strict sense of duty and morality. However, he is attracted to Magda (Miss DuPont), the wife of a Russian Count Wladislaw Sergius Karamzin (Erich von Stroheim). Magda is a manipulative woman who is unhappy with her marriage, as her husband remains oblivious to her infidelity. She seduces Hughes by convincing him of her love and urging him to leave his wife. In contrast, Marietta (Maude George), another woman in Hughes's life, is a notorious prostitute who wants to use Hughes for his money.

The plot of Foolish Wives is intense, dramatic and full of twists and turns. Set at the height of the Roaring Twenties, the film offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous. It also portrays the underbelly of society through the character of Marietta and her associates, who indulge in gambling, drinking, and other vices.

The film's visual style is remarkable, courtesy of the director's impeccable attention to detail. The Monte Carlo sets are lavish and elegant, reflecting the high society's ostentatious lifestyle. The costumes are equally stunning, with the actresses sporting swanky outfits and shimmering jewellery.

The film's score, composed by William Axt, was not included in the original print. However, the current restoration has added new music by Robert Israel, which perfectly captures the film's mood.

The performances in Foolish Wives are noteworthy, particularly Rudolph Christians, who portrays the conflicted diplomat, Hughes, with great empathy. Miss DuPont is alluring and seductive in her portrayal of Magda, while Maude George's Marietta is gritty and realistic.

Foolish Wives was a groundbreaking film for its time, showcasing Erich von Stroheim's avant-garde filmmaking techniques. The director, known for his uncompromising vision, clashed with the studio, Universal Pictures, repeatedly over the film's length and content. Universal Pictures cut the film drastically, leading to a loss of several essential subplots and character arcs. As a result, the final version was heavily truncated, and some critics called it a butchered masterpiece.

Despite the controversy and truncated release, Foolish Wives went on to become a commercial and critical success, grossing over $1 million at the box office. The movie's success established von Stroheim as a pioneer of film-style and set a new standard in filmmaking.

In conclusion, Foolish Wives is a must-watch for cinema lovers, especially for those interested in silent cinema. The film is a masterful piece of art, a blend of drama, romance, and social commentary. Erich von Stroheim's direction, along with the stellar performances by the actors, makes it one of the greatest films of the silent era.

Foolish Wives is a 1922 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.