Von: The Life and Films of Erich Von Stroheim

Richard Koszarski's biography examines the life and career of filmmaker Erich von Stroheim, from his early days in Vienna through his rise in Hollywood to his later years in Europe. The book draws on extensive research and primary sources to reconstruct von Stroheim's journey through the film industry. The text covers von Stroheim's major works as director, including Greed, Foolish Wives, and Queen Kelly, analyzing both the production processes and the final films. Koszarski documents the frequent conflicts between von Stroheim and studio executives, while exploring his innovative techniques and artistic vision. Beyond the professional sphere, the biography investigates von Stroheim's personal relationships, his self-created public persona, and his later acting career. The book includes rare photographs and detailed production information from von Stroheim's films. The work presents von Stroheim as a complex figure whose artistic ambitions and uncompromising nature both elevated and limited his achievements in early Hollywood. Through this lens, the biography becomes an examination of the tension between creative vision and commercial demands in the American film industry.

Readers note this is among the most comprehensive biographies of von Stroheim, based on extensive research and interviews. The book resolves conflicting stories about the director's background and separates fact from von Stroheim's own embellishments. Liked: - Detailed coverage of film production methods and budgets - Analysis of censorship battles and studio conflicts - Debunking of myths while respecting von Stroheim's artistry - Inclusion of rare photographs and documents Disliked: - Dense writing style with occasional academic jargon - Limited discussion of von Stroheim's personal relationships - Some sections focus heavily on financial/business aspects Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 reviews) "A meticulous, clear-eyed view of a complex figure" - Goodreads review "Heavy on facts but light on psychological insight" - Amazon reviewer "The definitive source on von Stroheim's filmmaking career, though it can be dry reading" - Film History Forum member

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🎬 Though the book chronicles Von Stroheim's life and career, author Richard Koszarski spent over a decade tracking down and interviewing people who had worked with the director, resulting in many previously unpublished first-hand accounts. 🎯 The original uncut version of Von Stroheim's masterpiece "Greed" ran approximately 8 hours long, but MGM drastically cut it to about 2.5 hours. The book details how the lost footage was likely destroyed or recycled for its silver content. 👔 Von Stroheim created his own persona as an aristocratic Austrian officer, but he was actually born to a middle-class Jewish hat maker in Vienna, a fact he went to great lengths to conceal throughout his Hollywood career. 📽️ The book reveals how Von Stroheim's insistence on extreme realism led him to demand real caviar and champagne for party scenes, and genuine silk underwear for actresses, even when these items wouldn't be visible on camera. 🎭 After his directing career ended, Von Stroheim reinvented himself as an actor, playing memorable roles in films like "Grand Illusion" (1937) and "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), where he essentially played a version of himself as a forgotten silent film director.