Once upon a time, in the golden age of Hollywood during the 1930s, Josef von Sternberg stood tall as one of the industry’s most visionary directors. While many remember him primarily for his iconic collaboration with German actress Marlene Dietrich—spanning seven unforgettable films—his true legacy lies deeper, in the very fabric of cinematic language. Josef von Sternberg wasn’t just a director; he was a pioneer, especially when it came to lighting and mise-en-scène. In fact, you could say that Josef von Sternberg was, above all, a master of cinematography. His expressionistic flair—playing with shadows, light, and composition—gave his films a dreamlike quality that felt almost otherworldly.
His journey began in the silent era, where he made a name for himself with groundbreaking works like The Salvation Hunters (1925), Underworld (1927), and The Last Command (1928). These early successes cemented his reputation, but after the commercial disappointment of Thunderbolt (1929), things took a turn. That’s when Josef von Sternberg returned to Germany and, in a stroke of genius, cast an unknown Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel (1930). He actually shot the film in both English and German versions simultaneously—an impressive feat at the time. The movie catapulted Dietrich to global stardom and, in doing so, reignited Josef von Sternberg’s career in Hollywood.
From there, the creative partnership flourished. Josef von Sternberg directed Dietrich in six more films, each more daring than the last. Notable among them were Morocco (1930), Blonde Venus (1932), The Shanghai Express (1932), and the opulent The Scarlett Empress (1934). Together, they crafted a unique blend of glamour, sensuality, and visual excess that defined an era. But as often happens in Hollywood, the magic faded. When The Devil is a Woman (1935) underperformed at the box office, the collaboration between Josef von Sternberg and Dietrich came to an end.
Though he continued to direct—taking on projects like Crime and Punishment (1935) and The Shanghai Gesture (1941)—Josef von Sternberg never quite regained his earlier momentum. His later years saw a quieter presence in the industry, yet his influence never truly dimmed. Even as his directing career waned, Josef von Sternberg remained a towering figure—a Svengali of style and spectacle—whose artistic vision inspired countless filmmakers who followed. And so, long after the final reel rolled, Josef von Sternberg’s mark on cinema endured.
Among the films directed by Josef von Sternberg, his most acclaimed work is Anatahan (1953), which stands out as his highest-rated movie. On the other hand, Macao (1952) is often regarded as the least appreciated film in his filmography, receiving the lowest ratings compared to his other works. Throughout his career, Josef von Sternberg explored a variety of themes and styles, but these two films represent the extremes in terms of audience and critical reception. While Anatahan is praised for its unique storytelling and visual flair, Macao tends to be viewed as a less successful attempt at blending noir elements with exotic settings. Despite this, both films offer valuable insight into the artistic journey of Josef von Sternberg as a filmmaker.