It was the final work of one of history’s great directors. A controversial masterpiece, that has come to be hailed as one of the greatest works in the history of cinema, Max Ophuls’ (La Ronde) epic Lola Montes has now, after two years of painstaking restoration, been bought lovingly back to life.
The newly restored version of Ophuls’ tour de force, Lola Montes makes its World DVD premiere, along with a host of brand new special features, on 6 July 2009 courtesy of Second Sight Films.
Telling the tragic story of the life of the legendary 19th century cabaret dancer Lola Montes (Martine Carol – Around the World in 80 Days, Destinees), her life and numerous affairs and lovers (including Franz Liszt, King Ludwig I Of Bavaria) and her fall from grace, the film tells its tale through flashbacks from her present day life as a worthless circus dancer.
Not what critics were expecting upon its release in 1955, Lola Montes received polarising reviews from many critics, while many of cinemas greats – including Jean Cocteau, Robert Rossellini, Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut - recognised it
there and then as one of the greatest works of cinema ever made.
Following a two-year process of restoration using the most cutting edge digital techniques the dazzling beauty and vibrant colour of Lola Montes was bought back to life and presented at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. It bought the house down at
the screening, and garnered massive critical acclaim. It now takes its place as one of the great cinematic restorations of a ‘lost’ masterpiece.
Bonus Features: Lola Montes: Revisited – A Documentary On The Making Of The Film, Commentary By Susan White, Author Of ‘The Cinema Of Max Ophuls’.
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
