Is The Devil's Needle Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1916)
Renee is a French artist's model who uses morphine as an escape from the dull reality of her life. She recommends it to a neurotic artist because "it kindles the fires of genius."...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then The Devil's Needle offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1916 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
The Devil's Needle returns to the screen in 1916, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Renee is a French artist's model who uses morphine as an escape from the dull reality of her life. She recommends it to a neurotic artist because "it kindles the fires of genius." The artist quickly becomes addicted to the drug and the quality of his work begins to disintegrate. He takes on a new model, marries her, and starts her on the same path of moral degradation, until a guilt-ridden Renee decides to intervene in order to save them both. According to silent film historian Kevin Brownlow, THE DEVIL'S NEEDLE was banned by the state of Ohio, but the censor board reversed its decision after recognizing the positive message beneath the film's scandalous surface. This special edition was mastered from a 35mm preservation print of the 1923 re-release version. The only known surviving copy, the element suffers significant nitrate decomposition during some scenes."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Norma Talmadge's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is The Devil's Needle worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, The Devil's Needle is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 66 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.1 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.