Flesh and the Devil is a 1926 silent film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. As a classic romantic tragedy, this film captivates audiences with its compelling storyline and outstanding performances. However, certain plot transitions have elicited mixed reactions.
The film introduces its main plot at the outset, with Greta Garbo portraying Felicitas, a typical romantic woman entangled in a passionate affair with John Gilbert’s character, Leo. When Felicitas's husband discovers their affair, he duels with Leo and is killed, resulting in Leo’s exile for five years. Before leaving, Leo asks his friend Ulrich to look after Felicitas. Unexpectedly, Felicitas shifts her affections to Ulrich and marries him. Five years later, Leo returns, only to be filled with regret upon learning the truth. A priest advises him to stay away from Felicitas, leading Leo to marry Ulrich's sister, who has always loved him.v
Yet, Felicitas continues to haunt Leo like a ghost. Eventually, they decide to run away together. On the day they plan to elope, Ulrich gifts Felicitas a bracelet, which makes her waver, unwilling to give up everything she has. Leo, enraged, attempts to strangle her. At this moment, Ulrich arrives, and the two men head to the glacier for a duel. Ulrich's sister rushes to the scene, pleading with Felicitas to stop them, and kneels in prayer. Finally, Felicitas finds her conscience and runs out, but she falls into an ice cave and dies on the way. In the end, Ulrich and Leo lay down their weapons and reconcile.
The film seems to lack a coherent theme. Although I found the beginning intriguing, my opinion changed when Leo returned home. Even more absurd is the reconciliatory ending, where, after spring arrives, Leo and his wife release their old grudges and live happily ever after. This shift in tone makes the initial strong beginning feel wasted.
One particularly striking scene is the communion scene in the church. When the priest offers the cup, Felicitas deliberately turns it to drink from the spot where Leo had drunk, pressing her lips where his had been. The priest then changes the topic of his sermon, focusing on the commandment "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife," using the biblical story of David taking Uriah's wife as an example. This scene not only highlights Felicitas’s provocative nature but also delves into the film's exploration of morality and desire.
Flesh and the Devil successfully creates a world full of love, hate, and passion through its tense plot and superb performances. Despite the somewhat jarring plot transition in the latter half of the film, its unique emotional intensity and profound moral exploration make it worth watching. This film not only showcases the artistic charm of the silent era but also offers a visual and emotional feast through its complex character relationships and tight narrative structure.