Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

blanche-2 I've seen another documentary on Marlene Dietrich and also read her daughter's book. I was interested in this one for a bizarre reason- I once sat on the New York subway next to someone who had the script of this documentary with him. Being a big fan of Maximilian Schell's, I wanted to see it.Schell, who appeared with Dietrich in "Judgment at Nuremberg," was able to convince the actress to do this documentary, but she would not permit herself to be shown on camera. She was last seen in the 1978 film Just a Gigolo, heavily made up and behind a veil, but still looking mighty good to me. But if one reads her daughter's book, it's easy to see that as she aged, she became a little eccentric. She spent the last 11 years of her life bedridden and allowed very few people to see her.So the famous Dietrich voice supplies a narration of sorts to the glorious film clips, clips of her in newsreels, and film of her doing her one-woman show. It is all glorious, showing how she evolved over the years, her excellent acting in films like "Judgment at Nuremberg," "Witness for the Prosecution," and "Touch of Evil," and the incredible charisma and beauty she shared with the audience in her show. At one point, Schell offends her and she lays into him. making a remark about him being a "Swiss", and telling him she'd sat at tables with politicians and dignitaries and no one had ever spoken to her like that. She went on for a while. Schell punctuates her words with images of flying film strips and a whizzing, distorted background.She could be abrupt, but also emotional as she recites a favorite poem of her mother's. Dietrich talks like she hated making movies, didn't do much to get into a role, her private life was private. It's hard to say now. One thing that wasn't gone into was her passion for Jean Gabin, nor was much of the documentary focused on her war work. Marlene Dietrich was a magical personality, an exotic beauty, a wonderful actress, and a magnificent performer. This documentary gives us plenty of examples of her magic and, if you don't appreciate her now, you will after seeing this. She was the kind of star we won't see again - androgynous, earthy, and very much of her time. In her eighties when this was made, her attitude is very much like her final words in Touch of Evil: "What does it matter what you say about people?"

MartinHafer Marlene Dietrich was notorious for her unwillingness to be seen once she retired. Yet, somehow, this very secretive actress and singer was convinced by Maximillian Schell to make a documentary. But, because she was so secretive, she imposed conditions on the film that made making it very, very difficult--practically impossible. They were not allowed to show her at any time nor any of the pictures on the walls. And, while agreeing to being interviewed, it could only be done with a tape recorder--forcing the use of lots of irrelevant footage, old photos and film clips.Now all this sounds very confusing and difficult for Schell...but it gets worse. As he asks her questions about her old films or her life, she keeps responding by saying cranky things like 'I already spoke about that in my book and don't want to talk about it', 'that film is kitsch and I hate it' and other dismissive comments. Despite this, Schell tried to engage her throughout the film--mostly to be rebuffed. In fact, you learn almost nothing about Marlene other than the fact that she doesn't want you to learn much of anything! It's really a waste of time and fans of this enigmatic actress should just do as she says....READ A BOOK! Very disappointing and I have no idea why this film was nominated for an Oscar, as there is not category for Most Frustrating Picture! My feeling is that folks who love Marlene Dietrich are best served with their memories and should probably just avoid this strange film.

ccthemovieman-1 Being a fan of Marlene Dietrich's films, I was very anxious to see this "documentary." I also got sucked in by reading rave review after rave review from the national critics. That should have tipped me off.The movie is just plain boring and obviously extremely overrated. You don't even see Dietrich. She is heard in the background, discussing her movies and this video. She does almost nothing but complain about everything. What a drag! The filmmaker, Maximilian Schell, constantly complains himself and pleads with her to be on camera.....all to no avail. She just keeps refusing to cooperate. After awhile, this sort of thing gets really tiring. With her attitude, why would Schell continue with this project? He should have just told the prima donna to "shove it."Regardless of what you read, do not waste your time with this.

Holdjerhorses Yet, HERE! Perhaps the most intimate documentary ever filmed.An 82-year old legend who refuses to be photographed, yet whose voice alone raises hackles, cackles and longing over a brilliant assemblage of stock and custom footage.As much as anything, "Marlene" is a film about trying to film somebody: trying to know somebody."Nein, nein, nein," it begins. "No, no no," Marlene instantly dismisses us and this documentary.Its last word, from Dietrich's own lips, finally resigned, crying softly, is, "Maybe." One of the most haunting, heartbreaking films ever made.Never has there been as deep a glance into any other screen Goddess' life as this.Ironic. The most private, iconic of early screen actresses, extends her career for nearly sixty years -- including live performances around the world (unlike, say, Greta Garbo) and culminates in one of the more enigmatic yet fulfilling performances of the century with her voice alone in "Marlene." Thanks solely to Maximillian Schell, whose genius as a film maker rose to Dietrich's genius as a tart risen to lady and finally to goddess."Maybe." Indeed.