Introduction
The American silent film Greed (1924), directed by Erich von Stroheim, is a landmark of early cinema. Adapted from Frank Norris’s 1899 novel, McTeague, the film explores how greed poisons relationships and destroys lives. Von Stroheim’s bold storytelling and his original nine-hour cut of Greed have cemented its place as one of the most celebrated silent films. Visit IMDb’s Greed page to learn more about its legacy.
What is Greed?
Director von Stroheim examines how excessive desire for wealth, classified as one of the seven deadly sins in Catholicism, leads to moral decay. Other traditions also view greed with caution. For example, Buddhism identifies greed as a cause of human suffering, rooted in attachment to material things. By following the Eightfold Path, Buddhists believe one can overcome this attachment and reduce suffering. Read more on the Buddhist view on greed from BuddhaNet.
In Western philosophy, Aristotle viewed greed as a vice opposite to generosity, which strikes a balance between giving and taking. Voltaire argued that greedy people, blinded by their desire for possessions, often sacrifice their well-being. Greed mirrors these perspectives, portraying avarice as a destructive force that entraps its characters in an endless cycle of want.
Character Analysis: Greed’s Grip on Each Life
Each character in the movie embodies a unique expression of avarice, highlighting how the desire for wealth can corrupt:
Trina Sieppe (ZaSu Pitts): After winning $5,000 in a lottery, Trina’s initial joy turns into an obsession with hoarding money, damaging her relationships and pushing her into isolation.
Dr. John McTeague (Gibson Gowland): A modest San Francisco dentist, McTeague’s love for Trina becomes entangled with her wealth. As he obsesses over her money, he loses his morals and descends into desperation.
Marcus Schouler (Jean Hersholt): Initially McTeague’s friend, Marcus grows bitter after Trina’s win. Resentful and fixated on her fortune, he eventually turns on McTeague, symbolizing the destructive power of envy.
Zerlow: A scrap dealer obsessed with finding a golden crockery he once imagined, Zerlow spends his life pursuing this illusion. His fruitless quest reflects the emptiness of unchecked ambition.
Maria Miranda Macapa: The seller of Trina’s winning ticket, Maria becomes so consumed by her fixation on money that she ends up in a toxic relationship with Zerlow, who accuses her of hiding his elusive treasure. His paranoia escalates into violence, showing how greed can even lead to murder.
Charles W. Grannis and Miss Anastasia Baker: Unlike other characters, Grannis and Miss Baker avoid greed’s trap. Living contently with their $5,000 savings, they find happiness in companionship, showing an alternative to the destruction caused by greed.
Legacy and Film Versions
Originally, von Stroheim intended to be a nine-hour epic film, but production demands forced him to cut it down. A current remastered version, spanning 3 hours and 56 minutes, offers modern audiences a glimpse into von Stroheim’s vision. Greed is celebrated for its artistry, influencing future filmmakers who admire Stroheim’s uncompromising approach. For more on Greed’s historical impact, see Silent Film History. Learn about its restoration on CriterionCollection.
Conclusion
Greed is more than a film about wealth—it’s a powerful exploration of human behavior and the dangers of avarice. Through characters and philosophies from various traditions, von Stroheim reveals how greed corrupts, isolates, and ultimately leads to ruin. His masterpiece invites us to reflect on the consequences of excessive desire, making Greed as relevant today as it was in 1924.
