Von Sternberg creates a tragedy out of a single tableau shot and a series of exchanged glances. Dietrich’s leg creases and protrudes into center shot, appearing dominant, but only ever an appearance. Her glances follow the various men decide who will have her, a coded game of gentlemanly talk to decide the fate of a woman. The black suits move around as towering monoliths to Dietrich’s captured prey. This is libido as a hunting gamesmanship, perfectly acceptable but overall with tragic results.

Blonde Venus (1932) by Josef von Sternberg