Customer Reviews

La Devoradora

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Maria Felix plays the role of a ruined aristocrat (Diana de Arellano) that has enthralled a wealthy man (Julio Villareal), willing to marry her and shower her with diamonds, knowing fully well that his passion is the mad last caprice that he can satisfy as an elderly, sick man. In the meantime a young man who loved her commits suicide when he finds out her impending marriage, and it is this early death in the opening scenes that marks the ambiance for the whole film.
Maria looks splendid in the beautiful gowns she always wears with her habitual panache, her expressions are very telling of her character, which is always deceptive, we never know for sure who really, if any, of these men has a hold of her feelings. She quickly manages to seduce the nephew of her future husband, who is a much younger and attractive man played by Luis Aldas, he is actually more like a son to his uncle, since he was the one that raised him and paid for his studies in the US. This betrayal is too painful for him, which will account for the tragic development of the story.
The atmosphere is perfect in projecting the darkness of the script in all the scenes, Diana's beautiful art-deco interiors, the grand office of her husband-to be, the cabaret, and particularly the excellent scene of the park at night.
This is the best film noir I have seen with Maria felix as the star, her presence and stunning natural beauty make her perfect for the role as the deceiving and conniving seductress.

Maria Felix as Diana is the epitome of sultry glamour and beauty in this fabulous Mexican classic, which was directed and co-written by Fernando de Fuentes. She plays with fire and an old man's passion, and compromises his nephew, a doctor who falls in love with her at first sight (Luis Aldas as Miguel). Diana is a master of manipulation, gets her doting maid (Conchita Gentil Arcos) to lie for her, and the men in her life to do her will. She plans to marry the older man (Julio Villarreal as Don Adolfo), while at the same time keep her young handsome lover (Felipe de Alba as Pablo) with tragic results, and the net she weaves keeps us riveted to the screen. This is a well written film, with tight pacing and lovely cinematography by Ignacio Torres, and the acting is excellent throughout. The film reminds me in many ways of the brilliant "Double Indemnity" with Barbara Stanwyck.

There is a 2 disc set available in some stores (for a nice price) that couples this film with "Algo Flota en el Agua" starring Arturo de Cordova, which is a much lesser film, but one of those steamy jungle love triangles set in Vera Cruz that makes for good entertainment (This set does not have subtitles, all the better if your Spanish is up to par). "La Devoradora" ("The Man Eater") is a must for fans of the gorgeous Maria Felix, who was perhaps the most beautiful woman to ever grace the silver screen. The film is in excellent condition for its age, and music is by Rosalio Ramirez, with Salvador Garcia singing Agustin Lara's aptly titled "La Aventurera."

The plot of the film might be a little simple, and the movie itself is simple, but is actually Maria Felix the one who keeps you on your seat till the very end. Her beauty is truly shocking and I am sure (for what I saw) that she was better than most of hollywood stars and as better as the greatest stars (Taylor, Hepburn, Davis, Hayworth). I don`t think even Marlene Dietrich would have moved her eyebrowns is such suggestive and powerful way as Miss Felix have done.
The very final close up is the one of her dead body, and, indeed she was the prettiest corpse I have ever seen!