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7.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Tempest remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, you probably shouldn't watch The Tempest if you need a story that makes sense from start to finish. But if you like watching people make incredibly stupid choices in dimly lit rooms, you’ll have a weirdly good time with this.
It’s definitely not for everyone. The pacing is all over the place, and if you aren't into 1930s melodrama, the whole thing might just feel like a long, loud headache. But man, those shadows.
Our main guy gets out of the slammer and immediately thinks, "Yeah, stealing a fancy fur coat for my ex is definitely the best way to prove I've changed." It’s the kind of logic that makes you want to reach into the screen and shake him.
Emil Jannings plays this guy with so much desperation that it’s almost uncomfortable. He’s always sweating, always yelling, and always looking like he’s one second away from falling apart completely. It reminds me a bit of the frantic energy in The Big House, but with way less organization.
The fight scenes are hilariously clunky. People swing at each other like they’re trying to swat away invisible bees. Then someone ends up in the water, and the movie just kind of rolls with it.
It’s not trying to be a deep, philosophical take on justice. It’s just a guy who can’t get out of his own way. Sometimes the most interesting movies are the ones that are slightly broken.
It’s not as polished as The Divorcee, but it has a grimy sort of charm. It feels like a movie made by people who were tired, hungry, and just wanted to get the job done. 🚬
Do I regret watching it? Not really. It’s got a weird, jagged heartbeat that stays with you after the credits roll. Even if the ending feels like it just gave up on trying to resolve anything.