Mata Hari

The first audio version of Mata Hari's story is rightly the most iconic to this day, although in the early 1930s, the archives were still far from being opened and the script is therefore more in line with the legend that the dancer spread about herself in her time. The story of a confessed spy (later H 21 or double agent) is defined as an open-ended social game set in the luxurious boudoirs of high European society in 1917. Mata Hari essentially floats through ethereal costumes and is constantly surrounded by a bevy of influential admirers. She is emancipated, intelligent, ironic, funny, and loving. However, she only discovers true love with a persistent young man who becomes the first man in her life for whom she is willing to sacrifice herself. She betrays her patrons for him and the end is certain. So how is it possible for me to feel absolute pleasure in such a scenario and not long for the entire story of the legendary Dutchwoman to be told from the very beginning? Because everything is said in the well-chosen lines of the main and supporting characters. From a Javanese adventure to an unhappy first marriage. Mata Hari, the character played by Greta Garbo, is the complete protagonist with her own history, experiencing fascinating dramatic twists and turns that prove fateful for the entire old continent. Garbo and Mata become one woman who is caught off guard by the entire plot when she loses power over the men she has ruled until then. Unfortunately, I don't yet have a comparison to the older versions with Asta Nielsen or Magda Sonja, so the only thing I could contrast this exceptional experience with was the older spy film with Garbo, the fabulous The Mysterious Lady. And they both really deserve nothing but applause. Bravo, Garbo! There is also a very original symbiosis of the great period set design and the most modern elements of the time - namely, the uniforms are wartime and the women's evening dresses are exclusively contemporary. Borderline at the intersection and older vehicles. And Greta’s co-stars? No one could be a better lover of the sun than the adorable Ramon Novarro. (13/02/2009)