There were quite a few reasons in wanting to see 'I Don't Want to Be a Man'. Have for a long time had huge respect for Ernst Lubitsch, and while his later films from the 30s and 40s are better known his German silent films (the ones that exist, some are lost) are worth the look and for more than just curiosity value. Also loved Ossi Oswalda in 'The Doll', also directed by Lubitsch and one of his best early efforts being one of the few to be outstanding.
'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is not one of his outstanding early films and is more in the worth watching but slightly above average category. A reasonably good position to be in for early Lubitsch, but by overall Lubitsch standards it disappoints somewhat. As far as his early work goes, 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is not up to par with 'The Doll' and 'The Oyster Man' which by early Lubitsch standards were in the outstanding category and among the must sees.
Will start with the many good things. 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is well made and atmospherically shot, Lubitsch's visual style may not have been refined yet but even here in 1918 it was beginning to evolve and become more ambitious. The settings are nicely designed without being too clean. There are a fair share of amusing and light-hearted moments, this is not a film that takes itself too seriously or treat its subject as too much of a joke.
Story is lots of fun and charming, with few dull spots. Was also very impressed and surprised at how daring 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' was thematically, it was a subject that almost any other film-maker at the time wouldn't dare approach. Especially considering what was going on at the time and what was generally felt at the time regarding what's portrayed, and that is what makes 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' interesting. The performance from Oswalda is appealing and she has strong comic timing.
Could tell still though that Lubitsch was still finding his style, the fun is here as is the charm but not the distinctive sharp wit and sophistication just yet. Some of the humour is a touch repetitive, with it revolving generally around the same thing.
Aside from Oswalda, the acting is too histrionic for my tastes. 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is too short at a mere 45 minutes, and ends on a rushed and not conclusive enough note.
In summary, reasonable and entertaining film but not great. Lubitsch did a lot better. 6/10
'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is not one of his outstanding early films and is more in the worth watching but slightly above average category. A reasonably good position to be in for early Lubitsch, but by overall Lubitsch standards it disappoints somewhat. As far as his early work goes, 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is not up to par with 'The Doll' and 'The Oyster Man' which by early Lubitsch standards were in the outstanding category and among the must sees.
Will start with the many good things. 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is well made and atmospherically shot, Lubitsch's visual style may not have been refined yet but even here in 1918 it was beginning to evolve and become more ambitious. The settings are nicely designed without being too clean. There are a fair share of amusing and light-hearted moments, this is not a film that takes itself too seriously or treat its subject as too much of a joke.
Story is lots of fun and charming, with few dull spots. Was also very impressed and surprised at how daring 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' was thematically, it was a subject that almost any other film-maker at the time wouldn't dare approach. Especially considering what was going on at the time and what was generally felt at the time regarding what's portrayed, and that is what makes 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' interesting. The performance from Oswalda is appealing and she has strong comic timing.
Could tell still though that Lubitsch was still finding his style, the fun is here as is the charm but not the distinctive sharp wit and sophistication just yet. Some of the humour is a touch repetitive, with it revolving generally around the same thing.
Aside from Oswalda, the acting is too histrionic for my tastes. 'I Don't Want to Be a Man' is too short at a mere 45 minutes, and ends on a rushed and not conclusive enough note.
In summary, reasonable and entertaining film but not great. Lubitsch did a lot better. 6/10