Camille (1936)

Ludmila Patralska

If in the film Camille, the code equals discretion but the game was romance, then Greta Garbo as Marguerite Gautier and Robert Taylor as Armand Duval play the game perfectly. The screenplay, written by Zoe Akins, is an adaptation of the novel, The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas Fils. Set in Paris in 1847, the romance takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster making Garbo’s Oscar nomination for best actress in a leading role inevitable. Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s production, directed by George Cukor, is full of lavish costumes and set décor, yet their abundance does not overshadow William H. Daniels’s award winning cinematography.

The film takes us on a tumultuous journey in which a courtesan must choose between the love of a man and the love of money. Marguerite Gautier (Greta Garbo) and Armand Duval (Robert Taylor) meet at the theater where their love and attraction is at once evident. Armand is smitten with the elusive and beautiful woman whom he has admired from afar, and Marguerite is won over by his charms. The same night Marguerite meets Baron de Varville (Henry Daniell), a wealthy and prominent man who can give her all the riches she desires. The choice is made; Marguerite becomes the Baron’s mistress. The storyline reveals that Marguerite has an illness that may be life threatening. While she lies in bed for six months, her only visitor is Armand, the one man that truly loves her. Eventually, Armand persuades Marguerite to spend a few months with him in the country allowing the audience to marvel in their love story and devotion, if only for a brief summer day. The realities of life, and Armand’s lack of fortune, quickly lead Marguerite to return to the Baron’s wealthy disposition. Armand’s enduring love and devotion continue to propel the movie into a seesaw of love versus money.

Greta Garbo’s performance as Marguerite Gautier is very charismatic, if at times not slightly overindulged. Garbo’s emotions are exquisitely present in her constant close-ups. William Daniels does a wonderful job creating a subdued lighting tone, which causes shadows to appear on one side of Garbo’s face. The technique not only glamorizes Garbo but also allows the camera to gaze into her eyes, which become the focal point. Although the illness in the storyline causes Garbo to over-emphasize her character’s weaknesses, constantly having her reaching for method acting, the audience can attribute this overacting to Marguerite’s manipulation of the men in her life. The most enticing part of the film is Robert Taylor’s performance. His portrayal of Armand, a sensitive young man who lives life through his emotions, is felt in every sincere gesture and every passionate scene. Taylor’s strong, confident smile and soulful eyes are reason enough to forgive Armand’s naivety in thinking that love can conquer all. His captivating persona allows the story to take center stage, and lets the viewer witness an on-set chemistry that inspires the novelty song, "I'll Love Like Robert Taylor, Be My Greta Garbo".