This short subject can be found on the Europa Film site and it is noteworthy on several accounts. Although not particularly cinematic, even for the era, with a confining proscenium arch composition and stagy acting. It is a worthy viewing subject nonetheless. Based, according to the site, on Oscar Wilde's version of the story, what is noteworthy is the sheer luxury of the production, an attempt to capture the wild and weird Aubrey Beardsley illustrations that transfigure the work. The sets are elaborate, with stonework and palm trees and draperies. There seem to be dozens of dress extras, courtiers at Salome's dance and soldiers; the costumes are beautiful; when Salome begins her strip-tease, you can see the liquidity of the silks as they slide over her body.
Most of all, however, is the elaboration of colors: I don't know whether this is a beautifully-preserved example of stencil coloring from the era, or if it was elaborated from a few faded frames, but every shot seems to have at least three or four colors in it. It's worth seeing if only for that.
Most of all, however, is the elaboration of colors: I don't know whether this is a beautifully-preserved example of stencil coloring from the era, or if it was elaborated from a few faded frames, but every shot seems to have at least three or four colors in it. It's worth seeing if only for that.
