“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
: 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 As You Desire Me
: 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. “Melvyn Douglas really was a bore in that
“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 Modern reviewers note her "overt sensuality" and "amazing
: Playing the "demonically sadistic" writer Salter, von Stroheim provides a terrific, bizarre foil to Garbo's character.
: A central theme is that identity is an artificial construct; the heroine declares she will be whoever those around her believe her to be.