The Sheik Reviews

(OK) A myth is born or reinforced, in spite of the argument, of sort of coldness in the desert (Hawks "Fazil" goes further in melodrama), but production is more occupied in Valentino...

A significant milestone in movie history and therefore should be watched as such. It's a reasonably well produced romantic action film, which carries you along (if you let it) to the corny and contrived ending. Remember also Valentino at this time in his life, was newly and madly in love with the love of his life, Natasha and he is just radiant throughout this whole film. It's been said that he along with the rest of the cast and crew had the time of their lives romping through the desert making this film. It truly shows. There is nothing better than to see this gifted and talented man act while he is probably at his most happiest in life. I assure all that I thoroughly enjoyed The Sheik and thus recommend it.

The good:
Rudolph Valentino is stunning, gorgeous, sexy, beautiful, etc., etc. Honestly, that IS the best part of the film (coming from a woman, that is).

The romance is of course the important part, which the film masters. Valentino and Ayres (once she gets over the whole "getting kidnapped" deal) share a heart-melting, dramatic romance in lavishly decorated Arabian sets and costumes. Every inch of each shot is beautifully decorated.

The not so good:
While Rudy is an undeniably charasmatic personality (who I did love as Ahmed), he occasionally overacted, as many of the other actors did as well. However, it is not enough to distract from the drama of the story.

Lady Diana's quick change from despising the man who kidnaps her to slavish love is very unlikely and somewhat jarring. While I understand her reasoning, I thought it could have flowed better if this kind of huge character development happened gradually.

Overall...
I very much enjoyed the film, and I definitely recommend it to Valentino fans, silent film fans, and romance fans. While I personally don't believe it to be a masterpiece, it is a well done movie.