DVDs in Review

Marlene

Title: Marlene (1984)

Release date: July 20 2009

Certificate: E

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £15.99

Rating: 4/5

In this unconventional documentary from Oscar winning actor Maximilian Schell, the life of Marlene Dietrich is examined, not followed. She is presented as an enigma, and the documentary itself is wrapped around a mystery.

We here Dietrich questioning why this documentary is being made as she discusses the plan with Schell. They even discuss whether they should speak in German or English.

After starring together in 'Judgment at Nuremberg' in 1961, Dietrich pretty much retired with her mysterious good looks intact, becoming somewhat of a recluse up until her death in 1991.

This documentary from 1984 is very odd being that it is made with co-operation from the infamous actress/singer but she refuses to actually appear. Instead we only hear her tape recorded narration alongside Schell's.

While this may be initially disappointing, it does mean that Schell can use a wealth of stock/film footage and weave it around her wise and frequently biting words. Having her voice being disembodied from her famous figure is all the more eerie, perfectly matching Schell's creeping camerawork.

Schell's team rebuilt her Parisian apartment next door to the editing suite so the cameras could effectively linger outside the door of where the interview was apparently taking place. It all becomes very voyeuristic and doesn't feel like a cheap trick at all.

She is almost arguing with Schell in parts. She is fierce, witty, unsentimental (even stating that all of her silent films were dreadful) but this what only adds to the portrait. 'Marlene' detracts from the usual backslapping and praise associated with documentaries on then-living legends in the twilights of their lives. It was understandably Oscar-nominated.

In terms of the DVD itself, the transfer isn't very clear at all. No real attempts at re-mastering have been made, nor are there any extras but many die-hard fans will consider this UK premiere to be extra enough.