Temptation (1935): A Rough, Raw Slice of Micheaux

Should you watch Temptation? If you are into slick production values, probably not. But if you want to see a film that feels like it was clawed out of the earth by sheer force of will, then pull up a chair. Oscar Micheaux wasn't exactly known for having a limitless budget, and it shows in every single frame.

The story follows Helen, a model who is just trying to get by, but everyone keeps treating her like she’s a villain. It’s 1935, and the way the movie deals with her reputation as the 'Brown Venus' is honestly kind of tragic. You can feel how tired she is of people assuming the worst about her.

Then things get wild. We’ve got gangsters like Kid Cotton, a federal agent named Fletcher, and enough plot turns to make your head spin. One minute we’re in Harlem, the next we’re in a Chicago nightclub, and the pacing is... well, it’s certainly fast.

There is a scene in a hotel room that feels so cramped and tense, you start to wonder if the actors were even allowed to move their arms. It’s not polished, but it’s real in a way that modern movies rarely bother with anymore.

If you have seen The Forbidden Lover, you might recognize that same sense of urgency. Micheaux doesn't waste time on pretty establishing shots or quiet moments of reflection. He wants you to know the stakes, right now, before the film reel runs out.

The musical numbers by the Six Sizzlers Orchestra are a weird, fun break from the heavy stuff. It’s like the movie stops dead in its tracks just to let the band play for a bit, which is honestly a great choice. It gives the whole thing a rhythm that feels less like a narrative and more like a fever dream.

I couldn't help but notice how the gangsters seem to spend half their time reading newspapers just so the audience knows what is going on. It’s a bit silly, honestly. But who cares? The energy carries it.

You can tell when a movie is trying to do too much with too little, but Temptation manages to hold its own. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s definitely not boring. If you have a soft spot for independent cinema that doesn't care about the rules, give it a shot. 🎬