The most remarkable aspect of many of Herr Evgenii Bauer's outstanding films is their modernism; that's the most representative characteristic of these early silent oeuvres wherein contemporary stories are developed with intensity and drama. After 100 years Herr Bauer's work is still refreshing and inventive which indicates how different his films are from the typical movies of his day which were often little more than filmed stage plays.
"Zhizn' Za Zhizn" ( A Life For A Life ) (1916) is the best proof of what this Herr Graf is referring to; that is to say, a splendid and modern early silent film wherein a complex plot is brilliantly developed.
The film tells the story of Frau Khromova ( Frau Olga Rakhmanova ), a wealthy woman who has two daughters, Frau Musia ( Frau Lidia Koreneva ) und Frau Nata ( Frau Vera Kholodnaia ); the latter one was adopted but equally loved by the millionaire widow. Pretty soon both girls will attract the attention of two different suitors, the Prince Bartinsky ( Herr Vitold Polonsky ) und Herr Zhurov ( Herr Ivan Perestiani ), the latter a wealthy fellow but the Prince, as usually happens in aristocratic circles, has plenty of noble titles but not a single ruble. Herr Zhurov suggests to the Prince that he should marry Frau Musia and in this way his financial problems will be solved; Herr Zhuriv will marry Frau Nata. The double wedding goes ahead as they agreed but the heart doesn't always follow clever plans so it is the Prince and Frau Nata who fall madly in love with each other, a situation that develops even before the wedding.
The problems caused by these adulterous relationships are brilliantly depicted by Herr Bauer with skillful editing and the advanced use of medium shots and close-ups.
As always happens in Herr Bauer's films, the art direction is particularly striking and the acting very powerful. The female characters, free and liberal, prove stronger than the male ones who ultimately suffer the terrible consequences.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must make up his aristocratic mind about true love or true economic interests.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com
