description Erich von Stroheim Overview
Erich von Stroheim was a film director primarily active in the United States during the silent era. He gained recognition for his ambitious and often lavish productions, notably *Greed* (1925), which showcased his distinctive style of dramatic storytelling. His work reflects a strong auteur vision and a commitment to cinematic realism. Stroheim’s films remain influential for filmmakers and are appreciated by those interested in classic drama and early American cinema.
help Erich von Stroheim FAQ
Why is the surviving version of Erich von Stroheim's Greed much shorter than he intended?
Stroheim created an extremely long adaptation of Frank Norris's novel McTeague, but the studio cut it drastically before release. Most of the removed footage is considered lost, making the complete original version impossible to reconstruct.
Why was Erich von Stroheim fired from multiple films?
His insistence on elaborate sets, extensive shooting, and very long cuts repeatedly collided with studio budgets and schedules. Universal removed him from Merry-Go-Round, and Gloria Swanson dismissed him during the troubled production of Queen Kelly.
What famous acting role did Stroheim play after his directing career declined?
He played Max von Mayerling, Norma Desmond's butler and former director, in Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard. The role deliberately echoes Stroheim's own history as a silent-film filmmaker.
Was Erich von Stroheim really an Austrian aristocrat?
No. He was born Erich Oswald Stroheim in Vienna and later cultivated an elaborate aristocratic image in America. His screen persona as a severe Prussian or Austrian officer became so famous that he was promoted as the man audiences loved to hate.
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