This film is virtually a remake of La Chienne, since it is based upon the same source (a novel), and tells the same story; yet the effect, the feel, of the two films is radically different. What sort of differences can you draw between the two movies? How are these differences produced?
How are the characters making up the triangle different in this film from how they are in La Chienne? Consider especially how Lang uses Edward G. Robinson (who until this time had mostly played either gangster or comedy roles), in contrast to Renoir's presentation of Michel Simon. What attitudes do we adopt towards these characters? Sympathy? Derision? What is our point of view?
How does Lang's visual style compare to Renoir's? Consider especially the lighting of this film (all those nighttime scenes), the style of editing (the sorts of shots, the frequency of cuts and close-ups), the use of studio sets.
How does the ending of this film compare to the ending of Renoir's?