Nocturno

After Ita Rina and Hedy Kiesler, Machatý's most significant discovery was Maria Ray, the star of Nocturne, who also became his first wife. Machatý made no secret of his fondness for Marlene Dietrich and liked to style his wife in her role. From the photographs, this is likely, from the documentaries it is noticeable, and from Nocturne we get the impression of a clear mirror of the work of the Dietrich-von Sternberg duo. However, the result is not just a mechanical imitation of Blonde Venusbecause in Nocturne we find equal reference to both Ecstasy and Eroticon, and the whole mixture creates a new work of its own. It’s formally perfect and aesthetically arresting. (2009.09.23)