Film+MusicFest: Ernst Lubitsch - Forbidden Paradise

Film+MusicFest: Ernst Lubitsch – Forbidden Paradise invites audiences to rediscover a classic of the silent era, re‑imagined for today’s concert hall. The restored 1924 film, lovingly re‑unveiled by the Museum of Modern Art and The Film Foundation with generous support from the George Lucas Family Foundation, transports viewers to a fictional Balkan realm where Empress Catherine commands her state—easily recognizable as Russia—as well as a court of impossible love affairs. When a mutiny threatens her reign, her favored suitor, the sly Alexei, steps into the role of danger, but instead of bloodshed, Lubitsch resolves the conflict with a sly wink and a checkbook, guided by his trademark imaginative flair. The New York Times’ November 17 review gushes that “Mr. Lubitsch, relying entirely on his fertile imagination, succeeded in directing this film with delightful ease.” It calls Miss Negri’s portrayal of the queen “charming,” praising the subtle theatricality of her gestures—eyebrow lifts, eyelid touches—that convey regal intrigue. Adolphe Menjou, as the chancellor, is lauded for delivering “excellent” lines with a “cold smile” and “wonderful expression when he feigns surprise” that stays with the reader. The review also highlights Lubitsch’s ingenious directorial choice to place the hero and his sweetheart before an artificial lake, their reflection mingling with a carefree fish that blurs the scene—a visual testament to Lubitsch’s subtle, yet striking filmmaking. Tonight, the screen is paired with a live, new score composed by American silent‑film legend Robert Israel, performed by the Metropolis Orchestra Berlin. The music breathes fresh life into Lubitsch’s visual storytelling, marrying period nuance with contemporary orchestral texture. Whether you are a seasoned cinephile or a new fan, this concert film offers an unforgettable journey through romance, intrigue, and artistic brilliance. Join us for a unique evening where history, performance, and music collide in “Forbidden Paradise.”