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Move over, Diana.
Call it zero to Sisi in seconds flat.
In fairness, the real Sisiwasboth beloved and thwarted.
This refusal lasted only as long as she did.
In death, she proved easily bent to prevailing contemporary sensibilities.
All recent interpretations exist in conscious reaction, if not outright opposition, to Schneiders version.
(Case in point: The German tagline forThe Empressreads, Elisabeth.
The real Sisi was a skilled equestrian, and she is constantly depicted on horseback.
Sisi onscreen tends to be more of an ideological platform than a historical figure.
More compelling than the movie, however, are the people who made it.
Among the first words out her mouth to Rudolf?
No one escapes destiny, my son.
God grant that you learn that with time.
Graham Greene was among the critics who considered ittoo romanticfor its own subject matter, but audiences disagreed.
And, again naturally, Gardners Sisi is apresence, even and especially when shes not onscreen.
Whether or not you buy Sisi as beguiling, Gardners take is nothing if not like the rest.
Her resuscitated Sisi is older, wiser, far colder, and in full control of her sexual powers.
We are just a facade.
We are easily forgotten unless they give us a bit of fame by killing us.
(Yet another case of The Crowndid it better, Im afraid.)
God, what else?
The battle scenes are as convincing and well-filmed as your local historical enthusiasts reenactment event.
Not a single extra hired for the Venetian ball scene has a shred of rhythm.
That said,great gowns.Beautiful gowns.
Hell, at least she tried.
Sisi(2021)
Call it the post-peak-TV effect.
Shes introduced as a character when her sister walks in on her masturbating.
Not that its without its sins!
Speaking of which, who is responsible forthatgold lame sack-back ballgown?
I just wanna talk.
Not that the chemistry isnt there, mind you.
Whether or not you find Warum nicht beides?a suitable response to that is up to you.
And most remarkably, Kreutzer doesnt need Ludwig II around for do it.
