Grand Hotel

About This Movie

So, 'Grand Hotel' is this fascinating ensemble piece from 1932. Directed by Edmund Goulding, it captures this rich tapestry of lives intersecting in a lavish Berlin hotel. The pacing has this almost languid quality, really letting you soak in the atmosphere of the time. You’ve got a mix of drama and romance, but it’s the underlying tension—worry, scandal, heartache—that really drives it home. The performances are nuanced, especially from Greta Garbo and John Barrymore. There's something distinctively intimate about how the film approaches its characters. Practical effects? Nothing too flashy, but the set design really transports you. Overall, it’s a peek into a world of opulence that’s tinged with melancholy. Quite the watch if you enjoy character-driven narratives.

Features a renowned ensemble cast, including Garbo and Barrymore. · Set design truly reflects the opulence of early 1930s Berlin. · Pioneering use of the ensemble format in film storytelling.