Salomé

Plot

In ancient Judea, Princess Salomé becomes infatuated with the prophet John the Baptist (Jokanaan), who rejects her advances and condemns her mother Herodias's marriage to King Herod. When Herod promises Salomé anything she desires in exchange for performing the Dance of the Seven Veils, she demands the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. After receiving her gruesome reward, Salomé passionately kisses the dead prophet's lips, horrifying Herod who orders her immediate execution by his soldiers. The film culminates in a tragic tableau of unfulfilled desire and destructive obsession.

Historical Background

The early 1920s was a period of transition in American cinema, as Hollywood established itself as the global film capital while European art cinema was gaining recognition. The Jazz Age brought new freedoms in artistic expression, though censorship remained powerful. Oscar Wilde's play, written in 1891, had been considered scandalous for decades, making this adaptation particularly daring. The film emerged during the height of the silent era's artistic experimentation, influenced by German Expressionist films like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920). This was also a time when LGBTQ+ themes, though heavily coded, could find expression in avant-garde art. The film's failure reflected the tension between artistic ambition and commercial expectations in early Hollywood.

Making Of

The production was a labor of love for Alla Nazimova, who had complete artistic control and invested her own money. She handpicked the cast from actors she had worked with in theater, many of whom were part of her artistic circle. The film's distinctive aesthetic was heavily influenced by European art movements, particularly Art Deco and Expressionism. Natacha Rambova, Nazimova's partner at the time, designed the elaborate sets and costumes based on Beardsley's illustrations. The Dance of the Seven Veils sequence was the most challenging part of production, requiring extensive rehearsals and multiple takes. The film faced constant censorship battles during production and release, with several scenes ordered to be cut or modified. Despite its artistic ambitions, the production was plagued by budget overruns and creative conflicts.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles Van Enger was groundbreaking for its dramatic use of shadow and light, creating a stark, theatrical effect that emphasized the film's artificiality. The predominantly white, black, and silver color scheme created a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere that was unlike anything else in American cinema at the time. Van Enger employed innovative lighting techniques to create sharp contrasts and geometric patterns, influenced by German Expressionism. The camera work emphasized stylized compositions and theatrical framing, often using unusual angles to enhance the film's surreal quality. The cinematography was crucial in creating the film's distinctive visual language that separated it from conventional Hollywood productions.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was its innovative use of lighting and set design to create a completely stylized visual world. The production pioneered techniques for creating the Art Deco aesthetic on film, using extensive use of mirrors, geometric patterns, and stark lighting. The Dance of the Seven Veils sequence showcased advanced choreography and camera techniques for the period, including multiple camera setups to capture the complex movements. The film also demonstrated innovative approaches to creating visual effects without modern technology, using mirrors, shadows, and clever set design to achieve its surreal atmosphere. The production's use of a limited color palette (black, white, silver) was technically challenging but created a distinctive visual signature that influenced subsequent films.

Music

As a silent film, Salomé would have been accompanied by live musical performances in theaters during its original run. The specific musical selections would have varied by theater, but likely included classical pieces that matched the film's dramatic and exotic tone. The original score has been lost, but modern screenings typically feature newly composed scores or carefully selected classical music that complements the film's avant-garde visuals. Contemporary screenings often use music by composers like Richard Strauss or Gustav Mahler, whose work matches the film's decadent and dramatic atmosphere. Some modern screenings have featured original compositions by contemporary artists specifically created to accompany the restored film.

Memorable Scenes

• The Dance of the Seven Veils: Salomé's seductive and symbolic dance for Herod, where she removes seven veils, each representing a different aspect of her desire and power, culminating in her shocking demand for John the Baptist's head.
• The final kiss: Salomé passionately kissing the severed head of John the Baptist, a shocking and controversial moment that leads to her execution and represents the culmination of her obsessive desire.
• Salomé's first encounter with Jokanaan: The princess's fascination with the imprisoned prophet, establishing the film's central obsession and showcasing the stylized set design.
• Herod's feast: The elaborate banquet scene with its geometric patterns and theatrical staging, establishing the decadent atmosphere of Herod's court.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were sharply divided. Some praised the film's artistic ambition and visual innovation, while others condemned it as immoral and pretentious. Variety called it 'a weird picture of artistic pretensions' while The New York Times criticized its 'unpleasant' subject matter. Modern critics have reassessed the film much more favorably, recognizing it as a groundbreaking work of queer cinema and avant-garde filmmaking. The film is now appreciated for its bold visual style, its place in LGBTQ+ film history, and its influence on subsequent art cinema. Critics particularly praise its innovative use of design and its subversive approach to biblical material.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial disaster, alienating mainstream audiences with its avant-garde approach and controversial themes. Many viewers found the stylized presentation confusing and the erotic content shocking. The film's failure nearly ended Nazimova's career as an independent producer and marked a turning point in Hollywood away from such experimental projects. However, it developed a cult following among artistic and queer communities who appreciated its boldness and aesthetic innovation. Over time, its reputation has grown among film enthusiasts and scholars who recognize its historical importance and artistic merit.

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