Brilliant Mamoulian film with Greta Garbo in perhaps her most iconic role. She is, of course, Queen Christina of Sweden, who ascends the throne at a tender age after her father dies on the battlefield. Garbo's Christina is a fascinating mix of both feminine and masculine qualities, and the actress dominates the screen as the Queen who lives for her beloved country, yet would rather abdicate than give up true love with her Spanish lover (John Gilbert).
I have only seen two Mamoulian films (the other being "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde") but he surely has to be one of the greats of the 30's; he got the camera moving again in the early talkie period and both films have a sort of decadent touch to them. Garbo and Gilbert romance by a roaring fire whilst eating grapes, for god's sake! He also worships Garbo's unforgettable face by giving her as many close-ups I can think of in any film.
I have only seen two Mamoulian films (the other being "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde") but he surely has to be one of the greats of the 30's; he got the camera moving again in the early talkie period and both films have a sort of decadent touch to them. Garbo and Gilbert romance by a roaring fire whilst eating grapes, for god's sake! He also worships Garbo's unforgettable face by giving her as many close-ups I can think of in any film.