'Silent' Garbo, or 'talkie' Garbo?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Greta Garbo
MyMovieTVRomance — 12 years ago(September 18, 2013 04:34 PM)
I have read quite a few people on various message boards say that Greta Garbo was a great silent movie actress. I have even read many people say they prefer her silent movies to her talkies. Yet, I myself have only ever watched her in talkies, as silent films aren't really my thing. I do enjoy seeing clips of them though.
This leads me to my question which Greta Garbo do you prefer: silent Garbo or talking Garbo? And, for those of you who prefer silent Garbo, my follow-up question is why?
Greta Garbo had such enigmatic screen presence, that I understand her appeal as a silent actress, certainly. But, once the public became familiar with her wonderfully unique speaking voice, I don't see how any of us could do without it! That's why I prefer "talking Garbo" to the Garbo of the silent screen. Because my favorite part about her is her voice, coupled with her overall presence.
Again, which to you prefer, silent Garbo or talking Garbo, and why?
Don't you think that of all the actresses who ever graced the silent screen, it was Garbo of whom we missed out on the most as a silent actress, because as it turned out, her voice was one of her most important assets! That's my take on it. Now, tell me yours!
Please excuse typos/funny wording; I use speech-recognition that doesn't always recognize! -
MammothPicturesReturns — 12 years ago(September 18, 2013 11:55 PM)
I prefer talking Garbo. She had one of the most distinctive voices in film. A deep, rich, throaty voice. That, her great talent as an actress, and her beauty made her a great star at the time and a legendary s2000tar for all time.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. -
Agent_X27 — 12 years ago(September 25, 2013 07:45 PM)
I think her silent movies are for the most part better as films. She made several not very good talkies in the early 30s. Even the better ones from this time have aged badly in some respects.
As far as acting, I prefer her in talkies because they added a whole new dimension to her.
"What are you doing?
"You're my future wife, what are you doing Lisa?" -
denis-38 — 11 years ago(May 03, 2014 01:58 PM)
Silent Garbo. In silent movies she was perfect. I thought she was a pretty bad, hammy talking actress, although I appreciated some of her work in "Camille" and a couple of others. But in "Grand Hotel," for example, she's just silly. Joan Crawford gives a far better performance, IMO.
But silent or talking she was fascinating to look at.