As You Desire Me [ FREE × CHEAT SHEET ]

: A central theme is that identity is an artificial construct; the heroine declares she will be whoever those around her believe her to be.

The story follows a cabaret singer in Berlin, played by , who may be an amnesiac Italian countess named Maria. She is tracked down by a friend of Maria's husband, Bruno (Melvyn Douglas), and returns to an Italian villa to reclaim her life.

: Her performance is widely praised for rising above the "hokey" or "far-fetched" script. Modern reviewers note her "overt sensuality" and "amazing screen aura," though some find her theatrical gestures a bit dated. As You Desire Me

“Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the time) brings a real erotic undertow to the love scenes, while Stroheim is terrific as the demonically sadistic writer trying to model her as one of his own creations.” Rotten Tomatoes

Community members often debate the performances and the film's eccentric tone. : A central theme is that identity is

“Melvyn Douglas really was a bore in that one, I liked the Stroheim character far better. It would also have been nice to make his relationship with Garbo more ambiguous.” NitrateVille.com · 13 years ago

: Playing the "demonically sadistic" writer Salter, von Stroheim provides a terrific, bizarre foil to Garbo's character. : Her performance is widely praised for rising

: The film is known for its opulent costumes designed by Adrian , including Garbo's notable peroxide blonde wig and striking "Cap without a lid". Critical Consensus