Valentino

1977 - Ken Russell freely admitted that this movie was a mistake, but there is always something worth seeing in a Ken Russell film. In this case, we get the usual garish colorful splash of melodrama applied to the myth of silent film star Rudolph Valentino. Truth be told, there isn’t much I do know about Valentino, but that’s the point of a myth.

Valentino’s life takes center stage and, though probably as much fiction as fact, it is an interesting little life. Russell milks every moment (and myth) for what its worth throwing in a few good key names of the time for good measure. Massive splashes of color are the director’s trademark and he doesn’t let up. Felicity Kendall delivers a fine supporting role as the woman who discovering the Latin lover.

If you want facts about the star, read a book. Like Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” there isn’t much strict fact, but you do get the feeling that the reality is less important than the myth. What little fact exists (like the infamous powder puff incident) are presented in heavy time compression.