Cast
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Crew
Director
- Joe May
Writer
- Ruth Goetz
- Richard Hutter
- Wilhelm Roellinghoff
- Fritz Lang
- Joe May
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Mistress of the World, Part VIII: The Revenge of Maud Fergusson 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 Joe May 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 1920, 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 Mistress of the World, Part VIII: The Revenge of Maud Fergusson took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1920, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: January 30, 1920
- Runtime: 1h 28m