"Grand Hotel"
1932
Not Rated
Produced by: Irving Thalberg, Paul Bern
Directed by: Edmund Goulding
Written by: Vicki Baum
Starring: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford
Metro-Golden-Mayer(MGM)


5/5 Stars
Consensus: Although it is very possible to go wrong with the classics, this is a case where one would go very right in viewing this classic, and historical film. It was key in the development of art direction, and has one of the most genius plots one could hope to develop, and all done without the use of computer-generated anything.


Plot:We follow several guests at Berlin's "Grand Hotel". Each has different motives for staying at the hotel and they all become fatefully intertwined.

Directing: The relationships and subtle development of plots and subplots within the film is genius. The film has a way of developing and intertwining little things relative to the characters. Considering the strict censorship in place at the time the film was developed and the frankly adult themes of the plot, the directing is especially appealing for the tactful and smart way the audience is told and implied details from character's lives without being shown or anything explicit being demonstrated. *****

Acting: John and Lionel Barrymore co-star in this classic film, and they have fantastic chemistry together. They look and appear on film wonderfully together. The rest of the cast has their roles down to an art. Perhaps the most appealing of many classic films is the high quality actors held themselves to, it seems to be an art that has changed, whether for better or worse is debatable and not the intention of this entry, but a glimpse back at stereotypes and talents of the past is always refreshing. This film shows all spectrum of human emotion, from gritty illicit affairs, murder, the horrors of a women purchased into something a-moral, to the joy of romance, the glee of having money to spend on luxury and being in good company. The actors in the film not only are comfortable and disappear into their roles, they demonstrate a great range of emotion from humor to grief. *****

Editing: Again, the brilliant way in which the adult subject matter was handled and edited so as the audience understood perfectly what was happening without being shown anything graphic is both commendable and genius. The way our attention turned from character to character by using objects within the hotel (such as a revolving door, or an elevator) was also an absolute epiphany on part of the editor. The very end especially has such incredible and flawless use of editing so as to keep the audience anxious and completely drawn in. Coupled with sub-plots flawlessly incorporated this film is a ideal specimen of editing for those wishing to see how its done from the originals.  *****

Art Direction: I saw the film on TCM specifically for its achievement in art direction. There was loads of commentary on the art direction of the film, and its significance in film history specifically for its contribution to art direction. That said the art direction is just plain crap.
Just kidding, its brilliant, but with that introduction I thought I'd keep you on your feet! Ha!
The entire film is shot within the "Grand Hotel" the film is based at, with a couple shots of the front of the hotel as the exception, the interior and circular design of the sets reflects perfectly the mood and relationship of all of the characters within the film. The revolving door, elevators, staircases, reception desk, all tie into the plot perfectly. *****

Cinematography: Especially for its use in suspenseful and otherwise risque moments, the cinematography in this film is wonderful. Its interesting to see the excessive amount of tobacco smoking filling up so many of the shots, something that would be considered sloppy today, regardless of sociatal distaste for smoking generally. I found it very funny and loved the trip back to the golden age of Hollywood. *****

Screenplay: Once again, the smart and insightful way subjects like adultery and murder were handled in this film is incredible. The dialogue is smart and witty, the character development is thorough and loaded with pathos. Each arch-type is so well written the cast feels like familiar friends and enemies of whom you're watching a home video. The incredible way these seemingly unrelated characters are introduced, developed, and related to one another is a rare thing, and one that is greatly appreciated. *****

CGI/Special Effects: This film is blessedly void of explosions, gore, CGI animals and critters, or train wrecks. I love it. I wish they'd make more like it. The stunt work that did exist was excellent, costuming was great, this movie rules. *****