The best renowned of Max Ophüls's films is the director's last work and his first in colour. Lola Montès is so rich in style and emotions that it demands repeat viewings, each time guaranteeing a fresh experience. Based on the life of the beautiful courtesan Lola Montez, the film is an ornately orchestrated film that confronts our idea of romance, womanhood and fascination with celebrity. It was met with overwhelming scorn in its initial release and was subsequently butchered in various forms. Some of the original material has thus been lost.

Restoration for Lola Montès started as early as 1966, involving detective work all over Europe in search of the missing material. This restored version was spearheaded by la Cinémathèque francaise with the participation of Technicolor Foundation and other parties and was completed in 2008. Much of Ophüls's intent was reinstated, though some original footage is still missing.

3/7

(Sun)

2:00pm *

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

15/7

(Fri)

7:30pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

* Post-screening talk with Fung Ka-ming in Cantonese