Josef von Sternberg

Biography

Josef von Sternberg, born Jonas Sternberg (29 May 1894 – 22 December 1969) was an Austrian-born film director and is among the few whose career successfully spanned the transition from the silent to the sound era. He is considered one of the earliest 'auteur' filmmakers, having filled many other roles on his films including those of cinematographer, screenwriter, and editor. Sternberg's style influenced later directors, particularly those of the film noir period. He is particularly noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting and soft lens, and collaboration with actress Marlene Dietrich. Among his most important works are The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932) and The Scarlet Empress (1934). Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.

Known For

Anatahan

as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

1925 Studio Tour

as Self

The Epic That Never Was

as Himself - Director

A Girl's Folly

as Cameraman (uncredited)

Josef von Sternberg - From Silence Comes Another

as Self

No Angel: A Life of Marlene Dietrich

Deutscher Filmpreis

as Self

Josef von Sternberg, A Retrospective

as Interviewee

Josef von Sternberg Interview

as Self