Max Ophüls was a renowned German-born film director known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films.
He is known for his distinctive visual style, his use of long takes and tracking shots, and his exploration of themes such as love, desire, and the passage of time.
In this article, we’ll cover a ranking of some of his most well-known films, based on critical acclaim and historical significance.
Best Max Ophüls Films Introduction
Here are the best Max Ophüls films.
1. The Earrings of Madame De… (1953)
The Earrings of Madame De… is a 1953 French drama film directed by Max Ophüls, based on the novel by Louise de Vilmorin.
The film tells the story of Madame Louise, a wealthy and beautiful woman who sells a pair of earrings given to her by her husband in order to pay off a debt.
The earrings then pass through the hands of several other characters, leading to a series of romantic entanglements and misunderstandings.
The film is notable for its intricate and elegant camera work, with Ophüls’ use of tracking shots and long takes creating a sense of fluidity and movement.
The film’s themes of love, passion, and social class are also handled with great sensitivity and nuance, with Ophüls exploring the complex interplay between these different elements.
The film’s performances are also notable, particularly those of Charles Boyer and Danielle Darrieux as the central couple.
Boyer brings a sense of world-weariness and elegance to his role as the husband, while Darrieux imbues Madame Louise with a sense of vulnerability and depth.
The film’s elegant and sophisticated approach to its subject matter makes it a timeless classic, and a testament to the power of the cinematic medium to explore complex emotional terrain.
2. Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)
“Letter from an Unknown Woman” is a 1948 American drama film directed by Max Ophüls and starring Joan Fontaine and Louis Jourdan.
The film is based on a novella by Stefan Zweig and tells the story of a young woman named Lisa Berndle (Fontaine) who falls in love with a man named Stefan Brand (Jourdan) at a young age, and spends the rest of her life pining for him.
The film is told through a series of flashbacks, as Lisa writes a letter to Stefan detailing her life story and her enduring love for him. Over the course of the film, we see Lisa’s childhood, her early infatuation with Stefan, and her subsequent struggles to make a life for herself in his absence.
As the story unfolds, we begin to understand the depth of Lisa’s feelings and the ways in which her love for Stefan has shaped her entire life.
“Letter from an Unknown Woman” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American cinema, and is celebrated for its elegant direction, beautiful cinematography, and nuanced performances.
The film explores timeless themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.
![Letter from an Unknown Woman [Region 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513PyqQBDPL.jpg)
3. Lola Montès (1955)
“Lola Montès” is a 1955 French-German historical drama film directed by Max Ophüls. The film tells the story of the famous 19th-century courtesan, Lola Montès (played by Martine Carol), as she reflects on her tumultuous life and loves.
The film is presented as a series of flashbacks, framed by Lola’s performance in a circus where she reenacts scenes from her life for the amusement of the audience. The film’s lush, visually striking style and complex narrative structure make it a masterpiece of French cinema.
“Lola Montès” is notable for its portrayal of the title character, a real-life figure who was infamous for her many love affairs and scandalous behavior.
The film explores the ways in which Lola’s life was shaped by the expectations and limitations placed on women in the 19th century. It also features stunning cinematography, elaborate sets and costumes, and a beautiful score by Georges Auric.
Although the film was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since been recognized as a classic of French cinema and is considered one of Max Ophüls’ greatest achievements. Its unique storytelling and stunning visuals have inspired many filmmakers and it remains a must-see for fans of classic cinema.
![Lola Montez ( The Fall of Lola Montes ) ( The Sins of Lola Montes ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - United Kingdom ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AhDhIno3L.jpg)
4. Le Plaisir (1952)
Le Plaisir” (1952) is a French anthology film directed by Max Ophüls, based on three stories by Guy de Maupassant. The film features three vignettes that explore the complexities of love and desire, set against the backdrop of French society in the late 19th century.
The first story, “Le Masque,” follows a man who attends a high-society ball disguised by a mask, leading to a night of revelry and unexpected encounters.
The second story, “La Maison Tellier,” takes place in a brothel and explores the lives and loves of the women who work there. The final story, “Le Modèle,” follows a young artist who falls in love with his muse, leading to an ultimately tragic outcome.
Like much of Ophüls’ work, “Le Plaisir” is noted for its visually sumptuous style and intricate camerawork, which often weaves through crowds and explores the nooks and crannies of the settings.
The film also features strong performances from a talented cast, including Jean Gabin, Danielle Darrieux, and Simone Simon.
“Le Plaisir” has been praised for its deft exploration of themes such as love, desire, and social class, as well as its nuanced characterizations and skillful use of setting and atmosphere.
The film remains a key work in Ophüls’ filmography and a significant example of French cinema from the early 1950s.
5. La Ronde (1950)
“La Ronde” is a French film directed by Max Ophüls, released in 1950. It is based on the play of the same name by Arthur Schnitzler.
The film is a series of interconnected stories about love and desire, with each scene featuring a different couple in various stages of romantic or sexual relationships.
The film follows a circular structure, with the final scene connecting back to the first, suggesting a cycle of human behavior.
The film is notable for its technical achievements, including Ophüls’ use of long takes and complex tracking shots. The use of a circular narrative structure also reflects the cyclical nature of human desire and relationships.
The film was controversial at the time of its release due to its frank depiction of sexuality and was banned in some countries.
“La Ronde” has been praised for its performances, particularly the work of Anton Walbrook, who appears as the film’s narrator and also features in one of the film’s segments.
The film has been cited as a major influence on the French New Wave movement and is regarded as a classic of world cinema.
6. Playing at Love (1933)
“Playing with Love” (1933) is a British romantic comedy film directed by James Whale. The film stars Charles Laughton and is set in the world of the theater.
The story follows a struggling playwright named Julian De Lussac (Laughton) who is trying to get his play produced.
He meets an actress named Alice Challice (Gina Malo) who helps him to get his play staged, but they begin to fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Julian is already married and has a young daughter.
“Playing with Love” is known for its charming performances, witty dialogue, and depiction of the backstage world of the theater. The film was praised for its romantic storyline and its exploration of the challenges and sacrifices that artists face in pursuit of their dreams.
7. Everybody’s Woman (1934)
Everybody’s Woman (La signora di tutti) is a 1934 Italian drama film directed by Max Ophüls. The film tells the story of Gabriella, a successful and beautiful actress who becomes disillusioned with her glamorous lifestyle and begins to long for something more meaningful.
Along the way, she falls in love with a charismatic journalist, but her relationships are complicated by her past and her reputation.
The film is notable for its innovative and stylish approach to storytelling, with Ophüls’ use of camera movement and montage creating a sense of fluidity and dynamism.
The film also explores themes of gender and identity, with Gabriella struggling to reconcile her public persona with her private desires.
The film’s performances are also notable, particularly those of Isa Miranda as Gabriella and Memo Benassi as the journalist. Miranda brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to her role as Gabriella, while Benassi imbues his character with a sense of charisma and charm.
Overall, Everybody’s Woman is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases Ophüls’ mastery of his craft.
The film’s innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of complex themes make it a timeless classic of Italian cinema, and a testament to the enduring power of the medium to explore the complexities of the human experience.
8. The Reckless Moment (1949)
“The Reckless Moment” is a 1949 American film noir directed by Max Ophüls and starring Joan Bennett and James Mason.
The film is based on a story by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding and tells the story of a suburban housewife named Lucia Harper (Bennett) who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and blackmail after her daughter has a dangerous liaison with a seedy older man.
The film is a powerful exploration of morality and the human psyche, and features striking cinematography and taut direction from Ophüls.
The performances from Bennett and Mason are particularly strong, and the film is widely regarded as a forgotten gem of American film noir.
“The Reckless Moment” is notable for its sympathetic portrayal of a female protagonist, and for its nuanced depiction of the complex moral choices that she must make in order to protect her family and her reputation.
The film is a must-see for fans of film noir and for anyone interested in exploring the complex moral dilemmas of the human experience.
9. There’s No Tomorrow (1939)
“There’s No Tomorrow” is a 1939 American musical film directed by Max Nosseck. The film follows the story of a young man named Tony (played by Roger Pryor) who dreams of becoming a successful songwriter.
Despite his talents, he struggles to find success in the competitive world of music and is constantly thwarted by unscrupulous industry professionals.
Along the way, Tony falls in love with a young singer named Gail (played by Grace McDonald), but their romance is also complicated by the pressures of the music industry.
The film features several musical performances, including a number of original songs written by Sammy Fain and Jack Yellen. The film’s lighthearted tone and catchy tunes made it a popular entertainment option for audiences during the Great Depression.
While “There’s No Tomorrow” is not considered a classic of American cinema, it is notable for its insight into the popular music industry of the 1930s and for its fun, escapist entertainment value.
The film offers a glimpse into the culture and values of its time, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of musicals and classic Hollywood cinema.
![There's No Tomorrow (Sans lendemain) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I+CwQ8piL.jpg)
10. Caught (1949)
“Caught” is a 1949 film noir directed by Max Ophüls and starring James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes, and Robert Ryan.
The film is based on a novel by Libbie Block and tells the story of a young woman named Leonora (played by Bel Geddes) who dreams of leaving her small town and becoming a model.
She marries a wealthy doctor (played by Mason) but soon discovers that he is not the man she thought he was. She then meets a drifter (played by Ryan) who promises to help her escape her unhappy life, but things take a dark turn.
The film is noted for its complex characters and themes, exploring the nature of desire, deception, and ambition. Ophüls’ direction is characterized by his signature fluid camera movements and intricate staging, which create a sense of heightened emotional intensity.
“Caught” was released to mixed reviews upon its initial release, with some critics finding the film overly melodramatic. However, the film has since been reappraised as a significant example of post-war film noir, and is notable for its strong performances and skillful direction.
The film’s examination of the darker side of the American dream and its exploration of the intersections between class and gender make it a powerful and resonant work.
11. The Exile (1947)
“The Exile” is a 1947 American Western film directed by Max Ophüls. The film stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Charles II, the exiled king of England who fled to France during the English Civil War.
The story follows Charles as he plots to reclaim his throne with the help of his loyal supporter, the Duke of Rannoch (Alan Hale).
The film is known for its lavish production design, its strong performances, and its depiction of the historical events of the 17th century. Despite its status as a Western, “The Exile” is considered to be a departure from the genre due to its historical subject matter and European setting.
The film was praised for its attention to detail and its nuanced portrayal of the characters, particularly the conflicted Charles II, who is torn between his desire for power and his loyalty to his supporters.
While “The Exile” was not a commercial success upon its initial release, it has since been reappraised as a notable entry in Ophüls’ filmography and as an example of an unconventional Western film.
![The Exile [1947]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cJgvqNVpL.jpg)
12. Die verkaufte Braut (1932)
“Die verkaufte Braut” is a 1932 German musical film directed by Max Ophüls. The film is based on the comic opera “The Bartered Bride” by Bedrich Smetana and tells the story of a young woman named Marie who is forced into an arranged marriage with a wealthy landowner named Wenzel.
The film is notable for its lavish production values, with colorful costumes and sets that bring the world of the opera to life.
The music is also a standout feature, with performances of many of the most famous arias from the opera. The film’s direction by Ophüls is also noteworthy, with fluid camera movements and a strong sense of visual storytelling.
Despite its critical acclaim and enduring popularity, “Die verkaufte Braut” is relatively unknown outside of Germany, and is often overshadowed by Ophüls’ later, more well-known films. However, it remains a classic of German cinema and a testament to the enduring power of musical theater.
3 Characteristics of Max Ophüls Films
Max Ophüls was a German-born film director who made a significant impact on the world of cinema with his distinctive visual style and innovative approach to storytelling. Here are three characteristics of his films:
Elaborate Camera Work: Ophüls was known for his intricate camera work, which often involved long takes, sweeping tracking shots, and elaborate crane movements.
He was particularly skilled at creating fluid, seamless transitions between different spaces and perspectives, which gave his films a sense of visual grace and elegance. His films were also notable for their elaborate sets, opulent costumes, and attention to detail.
Complex Narratives: Ophüls’ films often featured complex, non-linear narratives that explored the inner lives of their characters.
He was particularly interested in the emotional complexities of romantic relationships, and his films frequently featured themes of love, desire, and loss. Ophüls’ use of flashbacks, voice-overs, and other narrative techniques helped to create a sense of psychological depth and nuance in his films.
Critique of Social Conventions: Ophüls’ films often contained a subtle critique of social conventions and the restrictions they placed on individuals, particularly women.
His female characters were often strong-willed, independent, and willing to challenge the norms of their society. Ophüls was also interested in exploring the tensions between different social classes, and his films frequently featured characters from different backgrounds navigating their differences and similarities.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Max Ophüls Films
There are many reasons why you should watch the films of Max Ophüls, but here are three of the most compelling:
His films are visually stunning: Max Ophüls was a master of cinematography and visual storytelling. His films are characterized by intricate camera movements, innovative staging, and a keen attention to detail.
He often used long takes and tracking shots to create a sense of fluidity and grace, and his films are full of sumptuous costumes, ornate sets, and striking black-and-white cinematography. Watching his films is like experiencing a work of art come to life on screen.
His films explore complex themes and emotions: While Ophüls’ films are visually stunning, they are also deeply emotional and thematically rich. His works often explore the complexities of human relationships and the nature of desire, love, and loss.
His films are not afraid to delve into darker, more taboo subjects, and he has a keen eye for the subtle nuances of human behavior. Watching his films is an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
His influence on cinema is significant: Max Ophüls was a pioneering figure in the history of cinema, and his films continue to influence filmmakers to this day. His use of camera movements and tracking shots has had a lasting impact on the language of film, and his approach to storytelling has inspired countless directors.
By watching his films, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema and the legacy of one of its greatest artists.
Best Max Ophüls Films – Wrapping Up
Max Ophüls was a highly regarded German-born filmmaker known for his visually stunning and emotionally complex films. Here are some of his most highly regarded works:
“Letter from an Unknown Woman” (1948) – This romantic drama follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a famous pianist and spends her life trying to capture his attention.
“La Ronde” (1950) – This drama explores themes of love, desire, and sex through a series of interconnected romantic encounters.
“The Earrings of Madame de…” (1953) – This period drama follows a woman’s tumultuous love affairs and her attempt to sell a pair of earrings given to her by her husband.
“Lola Montès” (1955) – This lavish biopic follows the story of the famous courtesan and dancer as she reflects on her life and loves.
Other notable Max Ophüls films include “Liebelei” (1933), “The Reckless Moment” (1949), and “Le Plaisir” (1952). Ophüls was known for his distinctive visual style, use of elaborate camera movements, and his exploration of complex human emotions and relationships. His films continue to be highly regarded and influential in the world of cinema.
