Cast
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Adolphe Menjou
as Prince Lucio de Rimanez
Ricardo Cortez
as Geoffrey Tempest
Carol Dempster
as Mavis Claire
Lya De Putti
as Princess Olga Godovsky
Ivan Lebedeff
as Amiel
Marcia Harris
as The Landlady
Lawrence D'Orsay
as Lord Elton
Nellie Savage
as The Dancer
Dorothy Hughes
as Mavis's Chum
Josephine Dunn
as
Dorothy Nourse
as
Jean Fenwick
as
Barbara Barondess
as
Ruby Blaine
as
Claude Brooke
as
Crew
Director
- D.W. Griffith
Producer
- D.W. Griffith
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Sorrows of Satan examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director D.W. Griffith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1926, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Sorrows of Satan took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2423 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1926, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Sorrows of Satan shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike No Apologies, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Sorrows of Satan subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ghost and Wings of Desire explore similar territory, The Sorrows of Satan stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 12, 1926
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $971
