Queen Kelly

It seems there might be a slight mix-up with the year here! "Queen Kelly" is actually a legendary silent film from 1929, starring the iconic Gloria Swanson and directed by the visionary Erich von Stroheim. There isn't a widely recognized 2017 film by that title. However, the 1929 "Queen Kelly" is a fascinating piece of cinema history, often viewed in restored versions, and definitely worth discussing. So, let's dive into that classic and see what makes it so memorable, even with its unique story.

Introduction

Stepping into the world of "Queen Kelly" is like opening a dusty, opulent photo album from a bygone era. Released in 1929, right on the cusp of the silent film era giving way to "talkies," this movie is less a straightforward narrative and more a grand, dramatic spectacle tinged with scandal and a touch of what-ifs. It's a film that promises a lot and delivers in ambition, even if its journey to the screen was notoriously turbulent. For anyone curious about old Hollywood, larger-than-life personalities, and the transition of an art form, "Queen Kelly" offers a truly unique experience.

Story Overview

The plot of "Queen Kelly" is pure melodrama, the kind that silent films excelled at. We meet Patricia Kelly (played by Gloria Swanson), a sweet, innocent young woman living in a convent. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she captures the eye of Prince Wolfram (Walter Byron), a charming but somewhat weak-willed prince who is already engaged to the cruel and vindictive Queen Regina (Seena Owen). Wolfram, captivated by Kelly, kidnaps her from the convent with the intention of marrying her and making her his queen.

However, the story takes a very dark and dramatic turn, especially depending on which version of the film you watch. Director Erich von Stroheim had an even grander, more scandalous vision for the film that was never fully realized. In the version most commonly seen today, after a series of intense confrontations and a harrowing journey to Africa to inherit a brothel (yes, really!), Kelly's fate is left somewhat ambiguous or tragically resolved. The film's infamous unfinished state means viewers are often left piecing together what might have been, making it a truly unique watch.

Main Characters & Performances

Gloria Swanson as Patricia Kelly is, without a doubt, the radiant heart of this film. She transitions from wide-eyed innocence as a convent girl to a woman forced to confront a much harsher reality with incredible grace and intensity. Swanson, a massive star of her time, pours her soul into the role, conveying a wide range of emotions through her expressive face and gestures, without uttering a single word. You truly feel for her character and the impossible situations she finds herself in.

Walter Byron plays Prince Wolfram, and while he's charming, his character is a bit of a cad, caught between duty, desire, and the manipulative grasp of Queen Regina. He does a good job of portraying this internal conflict. But the real scene-stealer, next to Swanson, is Seena Owen as Queen Regina. She is absolutely terrifying and deliciously evil, embodying the epitome of a silent film villainess. Her performance is so over-the-top yet captivating that you can't tear your eyes away from her, even as she's doing the most awful things.

What Works Well

Despite its fragmented nature, "Queen Kelly" shines in several areas. First off, the sheer visual grandeur is stunning. Erich von Stroheim was known for his meticulous attention to detail and lavish sets, and it truly shows here. The costumes are breathtaking, the sets are opulent, and every frame feels like a painting. It’s a treat for the eyes, showcasing the incredible artistry that went into silent film production.

Gloria Swanson’s performance is another major highlight. She commanded the screen, and her star power is undeniable. Even though she acts without dialogue, her ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability is powerful. The film also has some incredibly bold and daring themes for its time, pushing boundaries in terms of sexuality, class, and female empowerment (or disempowerment, depending on your perspective). It’s a peek into a different world, and the ambition of its creators is palpable.

What Could Be Improved

The most significant "improvement" "Queen Kelly" desperately needed was, of course, a proper ending. The film was famously shut down before completion due to creative differences and budget overruns, leaving much of its intended narrative unfilmed. What we're left with is often an abrupt, unsatisfying conclusion that leaves many questions unanswered. For modern audiences, this can be quite jarring and might leave you feeling a bit cheated out of a proper resolution.

Also, as with many silent films, some of the acting styles and melodramatic plotting might feel a little dated or exaggerated to those not accustomed to the era. The pacing can also be slower than what contemporary viewers are used to, requiring a bit of patience. While part of its charm is its old-school style, it's something to be aware of if you're diving into silent cinema for the first time.

Overall Entertainment Value

"Queen Kelly" is a truly fascinating watch, more for its historical significance and artistic ambition than for a perfectly told story. It’s less about a seamless narrative experience and more about witnessing a cinematic legend in the making, even if it was never truly finished. For fans of classic Hollywood, silent films, or anyone interested in the turbulent creative processes behind movie-making, it offers immense entertainment. You get to see a brilliant star at her peak and a director's vision, however incomplete. It's an intriguing curiosity, a grand spectacle, and a sad reminder of what could have been.

Final Verdict

"Queen Kelly" is a must-see for anyone with a love for cinema history and a curiosity about the silent era. It's an imperfect masterpiece, a bold and beautiful fragment of a grander vision. While its unfinished state can be frustrating, it also adds to its mystique and charm. Go into it with an open mind, ready to appreciate the visual splendor and Gloria Swanson’s captivating performance, and you'll find it to be a genuinely unique and unforgettable experience. It's a film that leaves you thinking, not just about the story it tells, but about the stories behind the story.