L'Inhumaine

The title of this 1924 silent film translates as The Inhuman Woman, who here is acclaimed singer Claire Lescot (played by real-life opera diva Georgette Leblanc), a woman who holds exclusive salon get-togethers in her mansion where an all-male guest list competes for her attentions. Claire enjoys the power she wields over the rich and powerful men of Paris society until she spurns young lovesick engineer Einar (Jaque Catelain), and the latter drives over a cliff to his death. The suicide shocks Claire out of her arrogance and threatens to destroy her career but what seems to be a tragic tale ultimately transforms into a romantic melodrama of jealousy, vengeance, and forgiveness. L'Inhumaine is a cinematic showcase for the modernism of its day, from the storytelling to the design of the sets. The animated opening credits (designed by painter Fernand Léger) describe it as "A fantasia by Marcel L'Herbier" and the film features stunning mansions designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, interiors by future filmmakers Alberto Cavalcanti and Claude Autant-Lara, costumes and decors by Paul Poiret, and a magnificent fantasy of a modern laboratory, more spectacular than functional with its moving parts and electrical arcs zapping across the screen (designed and constructed by Léger). The melodrama of the story is simplistic but the imagery, designs, and cinematic brio are thrilling and the film is a landmark of early French cinema. This restored edition looks gorgeous and features color tinting as conceived by the director, along with a choice of two excellent new musical scores. Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a booklet. A must for any serious silent film collection, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)