The Seventh Veil of Salome

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence.

The elaborate party marking Herod’s birthday begins. There are many wealthy and powerful guests; Jokanaan is displayed as a prize prisoner. Some of the guests taunt him, demanding a prophecy. Jokanaan speaks of an apocalyptic future, predicting suffering for both Herod and Herodias. Herod cuts him off, asking Salome to dance for him and the assembled guests. She agrees.

While being interviewed, Max thinks back on his vision for the dance sequence in the film. He reflects on how incredible the scene ended up being: “[W]atch her dance, watch her for three seconds and you’ll remain for the whole sequence” (277).

Vera struggles in the lead-up to the filming of the dance scene. During the filming, however, she becomes utterly absorbed into channeling the essence of Salome; Max is delighted with the result. Over multiple days of filming, Vera tirelessly and flawlessly performs the routine over and over. On the final day of filming, an unnamed man unexpectedly comes to Vera’s home.