One of Garbo’s quintessential and most-remembered screen portrayals and one of her finest films which captures her graceful allure and enigmatic persona.
The idea for the film came from Austro-Hungarian born émigré Salka Viertel who had become close friends and confidante to Garbo. Viertel’s creative influence in this period cannot be underestimated both through her background in European stage craft, working with the likes of theatre directors Max Reinhardt and her wide network of European émigré and intellectual friends, ranging from Berthold Brecht to Thomas Mann and Arnold Schoenberg.
The original plan for it to be made in Europe which would have taken Garbo back to her roots. However this was not to happen with the film finally shot in Hollywood. Queen Christina is one of the era’s most sophisticated examinations of gender and identity with Garbo perfect as the bisexual Swedish monarch who was raised from birth as a boy.
This 35mm print is provided courtesy of the BFI. Presented by Watershed as part of Cinema Redsicovered, in partnership with Queer Vision.
