BLIND HUSBANDS

Blind Husbands was the first film by Erich von Stroheim, who in 1918 decided to adapt his own play, The Pinnacle. A feature of von Stroheim’s work is that it was released in cinemas uncut, unlike his later films which were mutilated and distorted by various censors. Blind Husbands is a low-budget film that was shot in seven weeks, but nevertheless bears Stroheim’s strong imprint. The direction and acting are impeccable and the theme of adultery is tackled openly, without hypocrisy, resulting in a surprising analysis considering the era of its release. The film was a success, earning one million euros for Universal. Above all, it allowed the Austrian director to enter the world of Hollywood through the front door. Released during the years of German Expressionism, this film is not characterised by any of the stylistic traits of this movement, except for the meticulous reconstruction of details. On the contrary, Stroheim’s work is marked by the strictest realism, with a cold construction of the characters and a plot resolved on deception.