In part 2 of my series on films I watch in film class, we will take a look at movies made with the best the silent era had to offer. While this may often be forgotten, films had actually reached a high level of artistic achievement by the end of the silent era. These two films represent that pinnacle of soundless achievement that showed the world the value of silence.
The General (1925)
While Charlie Chaplin may be more famous, there is no doubt in my mind that Buster Keaton at least rivaled him in terms of comedic ability. Sadly overlooked at the time of its release the General is now considered Keaton's greatest cinematic achievement. This is a film that will make you forget you are watching a silent film.
For many, the experience of watching a silent film is seen as tiresome. The lack of sounds and dialogue coupled with mood setting music make for a sometimes soporific experience. The General is one of the exceptions to that rule. It is a film that was made for what the director Alfred Hitchcock called "pure cinema" the idea of something that you can only experience in a movie theater. The General is one of those films which requires a visual experience and, in many ways, a soundless one.
The general is the story of a man who loved two things: his girl, and his train. It is set at the beginning of the civil war and follows Keaton's character's attempt to join the southern confederate army. After his attempt fails because he is too valuable as a mechanic Keaton is suddenly and unexpectedly involved in the war when his train is stolen and so is his girl. An incredibly entertaining chase ensue.
This comedy is best in sound because of its beautiful simplicity. This film could not possibly be as wonderfully simple as it is if dialogue had to be added. What makes the film great is the way that it is a simple and wonderfully entertain chase. Keaton's timing is perfect leading to moments of suspense followed by moments of incredible laughter.
The General was the first silent film I watched which really had me hooked and loving every minute of it. you will to if you give it a try, it's one for the ages 5/5!
Metropolis (1927)
Metropolis is considered by film historians and audiences alike to be German Director Fritz Lang's masterpiece. The Science Fiction story of class warfare and technological advancements in a dystopian future is truly mesmerizing from start to finish.
Many will be daunted by the films runtime of 2 hrs. which for most is too long to watch a silent film. My advice: don't be you won't even notice the runtime. Like the General Metropolis is a film that makes you forget it's silent. It's images will be etched in your brain forever. Metropolis' great strength are its images. with special effects leagues ahead of there time and a cast of thousands, this film truly is epic. Lang does what is required of a great sci-fi director, and that is he creates a world. One that is intriguing and believable.
The story is high art, focusing on themes that are so broad and yet so important that many movies won't even touch them. Lang handles these themes adeptly and creates a story that is pretty masterful from start to finish. The acting may be overly expressive in many areas but overall this is a film that cannot be missed by anybody that is interested in film. 4.5/5
The General (1925)
While Charlie Chaplin may be more famous, there is no doubt in my mind that Buster Keaton at least rivaled him in terms of comedic ability. Sadly overlooked at the time of its release the General is now considered Keaton's greatest cinematic achievement. This is a film that will make you forget you are watching a silent film.
For many, the experience of watching a silent film is seen as tiresome. The lack of sounds and dialogue coupled with mood setting music make for a sometimes soporific experience. The General is one of the exceptions to that rule. It is a film that was made for what the director Alfred Hitchcock called "pure cinema" the idea of something that you can only experience in a movie theater. The General is one of those films which requires a visual experience and, in many ways, a soundless one.
The general is the story of a man who loved two things: his girl, and his train. It is set at the beginning of the civil war and follows Keaton's character's attempt to join the southern confederate army. After his attempt fails because he is too valuable as a mechanic Keaton is suddenly and unexpectedly involved in the war when his train is stolen and so is his girl. An incredibly entertaining chase ensue.
This comedy is best in sound because of its beautiful simplicity. This film could not possibly be as wonderfully simple as it is if dialogue had to be added. What makes the film great is the way that it is a simple and wonderfully entertain chase. Keaton's timing is perfect leading to moments of suspense followed by moments of incredible laughter.
The General was the first silent film I watched which really had me hooked and loving every minute of it. you will to if you give it a try, it's one for the ages 5/5!
Metropolis (1927)
Metropolis is considered by film historians and audiences alike to be German Director Fritz Lang's masterpiece. The Science Fiction story of class warfare and technological advancements in a dystopian future is truly mesmerizing from start to finish.
Many will be daunted by the films runtime of 2 hrs. which for most is too long to watch a silent film. My advice: don't be you won't even notice the runtime. Like the General Metropolis is a film that makes you forget it's silent. It's images will be etched in your brain forever. Metropolis' great strength are its images. with special effects leagues ahead of there time and a cast of thousands, this film truly is epic. Lang does what is required of a great sci-fi director, and that is he creates a world. One that is intriguing and believable.
The story is high art, focusing on themes that are so broad and yet so important that many movies won't even touch them. Lang handles these themes adeptly and creates a story that is pretty masterful from start to finish. The acting may be overly expressive in many areas but overall this is a film that cannot be missed by anybody that is interested in film. 4.5/5
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