Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: Germany
A Deep Dive into the 1932 Vision of E.W. Emo
The brilliance of Marion, That's Not Nice (1932) is inseparable from the visionary mind of its creator, E.W. Emo. Serving as a mirror to the anxieties of a changing world, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In Marion, That's Not Nice, E.W. Emo pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in Germany, Marion, That's Not Nice has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate cult tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1932 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Orchestral |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of E.W. Emo's style and the core cult narrative.
A young painter in the academy hires as a model the daughter of a rich soap manufacturer and has her pose for a work based on the biblical Susannah and the Elders, which almost causes a scandal.
Decades after its release, Marion, That's Not Nice remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying E.W. Emo's status as a master of the craft in Germany and beyond.