As You Desire Me ✯

“Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the time) brings a real erotic undertow to the love scenes, while Stroheim is terrific as the demonically sadistic writer trying to model her as one of his own creations.” Rotten Tomatoes

While some find the film "slow moving" or "creaky" by modern standards, it is still considered a "fascinating" piece of cinema for its "histrionic battle" between Garbo and von Stroheim. Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and NitrateVille.com suggest that while the plot may be "hokey," the star power and philosophical depth make it worth watching. Viewer Perspectives As You Desire Me

: The film leaves it largely ambiguous whether she is truly the missing wife or a masterful imposter, a "Pirandellian mystery" that keeps viewers guessing. Performance and Style “Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the

“Melvyn Douglas really was a bore in that one, I liked the Stroheim character far better. It would also have been nice to make his relationship with Garbo more ambiguous.” NitrateVille.com · 13 years ago Performance and Style “Melvyn Douglas really was a

The story follows a cabaret singer in Berlin, played by , who may be an amnesiac Italian countess named Maria. She is tracked down by a friend of Maria's husband, Bruno (Melvyn Douglas), and returns to an Italian villa to reclaim her life.

: The film is known for its opulent costumes designed by Adrian , including Garbo's notable peroxide blonde wig and striking "Cap without a lid". Critical Consensus

: Her performance is widely praised for rising above the "hokey" or "far-fetched" script. Modern reviewers note her "overt sensuality" and "amazing screen aura," though some find her theatrical gestures a bit dated.