Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Trouble in Paradise (1932)
"The movie is full of suave maneuvers and magical switcheroos; in its light-as-a-feather way, it's perfection." - Pauline Kael
"Trouble in Paradise" (1932) is a cinematic tale where a suave gentleman thief and an adept lady pickpocket join forces to deceive a stunning perfume company owner. The plot weaves in romantic liaisons and jealousies, complicating the scheme. Regrettably, I found the three main characters to be rather one-dimensional, lacking depth and backstory. The supporting characters also didn't add any substantial value to the narrative.
Despite the captivating premise of two criminal masterminds collaborating, this element of the film is not thoroughly examined. This lack of depth is somewhat forgivable, as other films have executed similar storylines very effectively. It's been done before.
The concept of a wealthy individual desiring to explore worldly delights, without any regard for cost, also held potential but was largely unexplored. This is less forgivable. We have a character, reminiscent of the author of Ecclesiastes, whose wealth and lack of moral constraints allow her to indulge in every pleasure her heart desires. She does not deny herself anything her eyes crave. Yet unlike Ecclesiastes, no conclusion or moral lesson is drawn or even hinted at.
The plot does require a suspension of disbelief, but director Lubitsch seems to focus on the plot mainly as a vehicle for a punchline. If you don't find the punchlines amusing, if the gimmick fails, then the entire film unravels. The film shines in its portrayal of the superficiality of its characters. This is primarily a romantic comedy, but it shifts from traditional romance to raw physical attraction and the allure of mischief and indolence. Monescu and Lily are criminals, and the fact that the other is also a skilled crook simply intensifies their mutual attraction. The attraction between Monescu and Colet also lacks a clear reason, other than Colet's complete disregard for money and her desire for pleasure.
Lubitsch's films may not provoke laughter today, and I doubt they elicited many laughs upon release. They employ the language of comedy, but they aim more for smiles than outright laughter. Therefore, if you find yourself critically analyzing the logical coherence of the plot rather than enjoying the emotions it evokes, as I did, then it simply means the charm of this particular movie did not captivate you. As it certainly did not captivate me. Lubitsch has a plethora of other films that I adore, so perhaps this one isn't the best starting point if you're looking to explore his works.
"No, no, Francois, I tell you, no. You see, Francois, marriage is a beautiful mistake which two people make together. But with you, Francois, I think it would be a mistake."
- You are not a fan of classic movies
- Black and White films are not appealing to you
- You have difficulty understanding early 20th century colloquial language
- You prefer action-packed movies over dialogue-driven films
- This movie may not be suitable for young children due to its complex plot and adult themes
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Trouble in Paradise"? I mean, you've got two thieves falling in love, a wealthy widow, and a ton of high society shenanigans. It’s like Robin Hood meets The Bachelor, only everyone’s wearing tuxedos and sipping champagne instead of shooting arrows in the forest!
And let's talk about the protagonist, Gaston Monescu. Here's a guy who's a professional thief, yet he's so charming and suave that you almost forget he's robbing blind everyone he meets. It's like if James Bond decided to become a pickpocket!
Ninotchka (1939)
If you enjoyed "Trouble in Paradise," then "Ninotchka" could be a real treat. It's another Ernst Lubitsch-directed flick and showcases his brilliant use of humor. It stars Greta Garbo in a rare comedic role as a stern Russian envoy seduced by the Parisian lifestyle. There's this great blend of political satire and love story that keeps this movie light-hearted and joyous.
The Lady Eve (1941):As a fan of "Trouble in Paradise," you might also enjoy Preston Sturges' "The Lady Eve". Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, this film blends clever dialogue, physical comedy, and sophisticated romance in a way that recalls Lubitsch's touch. Stanwyck, playing a con artist, targets an innocent man (played by Fonda) for a scam, but things get complicated when she falls in love with him. It's a delight from start to finish, with wonderful character performances and a clever script.
The Apartment (1960):"The Apartment" is another film that shares the sophisticated comedy and clever dialogue seen in "Trouble in Paradise". Directed by Billy Wilder, this film narrates the story of a clerical worker who lends out his apartment for his superiors' extramarital affairs, only to find himself in a moral and romantic conundrum. The stellar performances by Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, coupled with Wilder's brilliant direction make this film a must-watch.
Some Like It Hot (1959):"Some Like It Hot" is another Billy Wilder's masterpiece that you might enjoy. It's a screwball comedy featuring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. It's one of the greatest comedy films of all times with its twisting plot, hilarious quips, and memorable performances. Witty, charming and unforgettably funny, it shares a lot of what made "Trouble in Paradise" such a wonderful watch.
To Be or Not To Be (1942):I'd also highly recommend "To Be or Not To Be." Another Ernst Lubitsch-directed film, it satirizes the Nazi invasion of Poland. It's a smart, funny and poignant movie, with fantastic performances from Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Their comedic timing is superb, and the film offers a thought-provoking commentary on the events of World War II, all wrapped in Lubitsch's trademark wit and charm.
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