Lola Montès is acclaimed for showcasing the grand visual style of Max Ophuls, whose looming crane shots and 360-degree pans continue to impress critics, just as they did throughout his career. Though considerable liberty is taken with the life of the historic Lola Montès, the film remains an opulent chronicle of the loves and affairs of its title subject. For some critics (notably Andrew Sarris), this is one of the greatest films ever made. Others may feel that Ophuls' camera style is garish and tiresome or that the narrative lacks energy; and even some critics who praise the film as a masterpiece cite the central performance of Martine Carol as weak. Nearly all critics appreciate the film's technical brilliance and production design.