Unraveling the Genius of Josef von Sternberg: A Cinematic Mastermind
Josef von Sternberg is a name that isn’t well-known in mainstream cinema, but he revolutionized the medium in the early 20th century. The Austrian-born American filmmaker worked on over 20 films from 1920 to 1965, refining his craft with each passing year. His cinematography, use of lighting, and the way he directed actors made his films a cut above the rest. This blog post aims to unravel the genius of Josef von Sternberg, the cinematic mastermind behind such classics as The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), and Shanghai Express (1932).
Introduction
Josef von Sternberg was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1894. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a boy, and he would eventually become a naturalized citizen. Sternberg had an interest in the arts from an early age, which he eventually developed into filmmaking. After working in Hollywood for nearly a decade as an assistant director, he got his big break in 1927 when he directed Underworld, which was a hit with audiences and critics alike. Sternberg would go on to direct more films over the next four decades, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
Section One: The Use of Lighting
One of the most significant contributions of Josef von Sternberg to cinema was his mastery of lighting techniques. His films were dark, moody, and atmospheric, with lighting playing a key role in setting the tone. He was a master of contrast, using light and shadow to create depth and a sense of mystery. Sternberg often worked with cinematographer Lee Garmes, and together, they experimented with various types of lighting, including what became known as the “Sternberg light,” which was a single spotlight aimed at the actor’s face. This technique created a dramatic effect that instantly became associated with Sternberg’s filmmaking style.
Section Two: The Actresses
Another hallmark of Josef von Sternberg’s films was the way he worked with actresses. He had a reputation for being difficult and temperamental, but he was an excellent director of women. He discovered Marlene Dietrich, and she became his muse and collaborator on seven films. Sternberg knew how to frame his actresses in a way that made them look their best, often using close-ups and low lighting to create a sense of intimacy. He also emphasized their sexuality, but in a way that was empowering rather than objectifying.
Section Three: Collaborating with Composers
Music played an essential role in the films of Josef von Sternberg, and he worked closely with composers to create the perfect soundscape. For example, in The Blue Angel, he collaborated with Friedrich Hollaender to create a distinctive musical score that captured the film’s melancholic mood. Hollaender went on to work with Sternberg on several of his other films, and their collaboration was a significant part of the director’s filmmaking process.
Section Four: The Cinematography
Josef von Sternberg’s cinematography was remarkable for its boldness and experimentation. He was a master of visual storytelling, using his camera to create unusual angles and perspectives that brought a sense of freshness to the medium. He often used long takes, moving his camera through space in fluid motions that were revolutionary for their time. His mastery of visual language has influenced generations of filmmakers since, making him one of the most important figures in the history of cinema.
Section Five: The Artistic Direction
Josef von Sternberg was not only a filmmaker but also an artist. He approached every film as a creative endeavor, paying attention to every detail to create a fully realized world that was unique to each project. He worked closely with his set designers and costume designers to create a sense of period detail that was unmatched in its accuracy and style. His artistic direction was one of the reasons why his films were so popular at the time, and it’s still admired today.
Section Six: The Style
Josef von Sternberg films had a distinct style that set them apart from other Hollywood productions. They were dark, moody, and often had a sense of fatalism about them. Yet, they were also incredibly glamorous, with lavish sets, elegant costumes, and bold camera movements. His films were often melodramatic and featured themes of obsession, power, and desire. His style has influenced other filmmakers for generations, making him a true master of cinema.
Section Seven: The Legacy
Josef von Sternberg films are not as well-known today as they were in the 1920s and 1930s. However, his legacy is undeniable. His mastery of lighting, his direction of actresses, his collaboration with composers, his cinematography, and his artistic direction have all left an indelible impression on the medium of film. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary filmmakers, and his films are still admired and studied today.
FAQs
Q: What is the Sternberg light?
A: The Sternberg light is a spotlight aimed at an actor’s face that creates a dramatic effect.
Q: Who was Marlene Dietrich?
A: Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer who worked with Josef von Sternberg on seven films.
Q: What was Josef von Sternberg’s reputation?
A: Josef von Sternberg was known for being difficult and temperamental, but he was also a master of his craft.
Q: What was the collaboration between Sternberg and Friedrich Hollaender?
A: Sternberg and Hollaender worked together on several of Sternberg’s films, with Hollaender creating distinctive musical scores that captured the mood of each film.
Q: What is visual language?
A: Visual language is the use of visual elements in storytelling, such as camera angles, lighting, and color, to create meaning and emotion.
Q: What was Josef von Sternberg’s style?
A: Josef von Sternberg’s films were dark, moody, and glamorous, with themes of obsession and desire.
Q: What is Josef von Sternberg’s legacy?
A: Josef von Sternberg’s legacy is his contribution to the medium of film through his mastery of lighting, direction of actresses, collaboration with composers, cinematography, and artistic direction.
Conclusion
Josef von Sternberg was a cinematic mastermind who revolutionized the medium of film. His contributions to cinematography, lighting, directing actresses, collaborating with composers, and artistic direction have left an indelible impression on the medium of film. His legacy can be seen in the work of contemporary filmmakers, making him a true master of his craft. If you haven’t seen any of his films, I highly recommend starting with The Blue Angel or Morocco and experiencing firsthand the genius of Josef von Sternberg.