@Jeruba – For sure it was on this list, as I was working through it in like 2004 when I first saw the scene. I remember being shocked at how contemporary the moment was – way beyond anything I had ever seen in the silents. Then I came across it again during that director’s commentary track – maybe in 2007. Then maybe 6 months after that I realized that I had a problem: I kept wanting to referencing it, but it was lost to me. @&#*$#
I know better know: when something “moves me” to that extent, I need to write it down.
Brainstorm: (may or may not be correct, but my best guess)
– definitely silent era. I seem to remember it being high quality, so very late silent era, or probably a restored classic.
– My gut tells me it was a German made film – a mood of sophistication – not slapstick, so no Keaton, Chaplin, Griffith, Lloyd – probably more like Murnau, Lang, Pabst – but very “real” – no “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” type stuff.
– I believe it was “off the beaten path”, since I only knocked it out toward the end of the above list-quest.
– The woman (screen right) stood next to a bellybutton high dresser with a mirror on it. She was looking to her husband (screen left) who was sitting in a rocking chair I believe.
– She was a larger woman – if I had to cast a modern actress, it would definitely be Kathy Bates, but maybe with longer dark hair. The guy may have been a “Fred Mert” body type.
(Note – it’s been so many years – it’s like remembering a dream – I may be way off on an item or two. In fact, I’m fascinated to see just how off I am.)
So I’m going to start marching through the list again. Will advise.
Thanks for any eureka moments!