John Wayne said that she was "the most intriguing woman I've ever known," and Jean Cocteau gushed that "whoever knows her and has been able to experience her has experienced perfection itself." To this day, German actress Marlene Dietrich's sexy and powerful persona continues to fascinate. Next Wednesday, Aug. 15, the exhibit Marlene Dietrich: une légende en images kicks off at the Cinémathèque québécoise, featuring 38 photographs of the starlet, dated from 1906-'66. Infamous for her controlling ways with photographers and directors, Dietrich always knew exactly how she wanted to be photographed, perpetuating a highly stylized, perfectly lit image of female beauty and smouldering sexuality. With the help of director Josef von Sternberg (The Blue Angel), she became a Hollywood star, an international icon and even a political force.
The show includes works by Cecil Beaton, Edward Steichen, Laszlo Willinger and Horst P. Horst, alongside film stills and childhood photos. Concurrently, the Cinémathèque will be running four of her films (Destry Rides Again, The Devil Is a Woman, Marlene and Morocco, check listings for times). Get under her spell at 335 de Maisonneuve E., until Sept. 23, vernissage Aug. 15, 5 p.m., free. Info: 842-9768.
John Wayne said that she was "the most intriguing woman I've ever known," and Jean Cocteau gushed that "whoever knows her and has been able to experience her has experienced perfection itself." To this day, German actress Marlene Dietrich's sexy and powerful persona continues to fascinate. Next Wednesday, Aug. 15, the exhibit Marlene Dietrich: une légende en images kicks off at the Cinémathèque québécoise, featuring 38 photographs of the starlet, dated from 1906-'66. Infamous for her controlling ways with photographers and directors, Dietrich always knew exactly how she wanted to be photographed, perpetuating a highly stylized, perfectly lit image of female beauty and smouldering sexuality. With the help of director Josef von Sternberg (The Blue Angel), she became a Hollywood star, an international icon and even a political force.