S 1921 Move notes

 "Frankenstein," a classic black-and-white film released in 1931, remains captivating and influential despite some performances now appearing exaggerated. The brief introduction at the beginning sets an intriguing tone, immediately immersing the audience in a world full of grotesque wonder. The scene where Frankenstein is created is surreal, with the setup of three normal viewers and one madman adding an element of absurdity. When Frankenstein flips the switch, the corpse slowly rises, revealing the mysteries of life and death, symbolizing the birth of Frankenstein. This moment is both shocking and symbolic. Frankenstein's encounter with the woodcutter's daughter is particularly poignant. The little girl, unafraid of the monster's grotesque appearance, invites him to play, symbolizing human kindness and innocence. As the girl tosses flowers into the lake, Frankenstein feels joy and, in a tragic turn, throws the girl into the lake. This heart-wrenching scene unders...

 "City Lights," a classic silent film released in 1931, stands out even as sound films had been developing for three years. Despite the industry's shift towards sound, Chaplin chose to stick with silent cinema and even humorously mocked talkies at the film's beginning. With his iconic top hat, cane, ill-fitting suit, and distinctive walk, Chaplin crafted the character of an unrefined gentleman, greeting everyone with a tip of his hat, filled with drama and humor. The story revolves around the life of a small, ordinary man. The boxing scene is particularly brilliant; what should be a powerful and passionate boxing match is turned into a stage for the boxers to "dance." Chaplin's light-footed pace and clever movements showcase his exceptional comedic talent, making audiences marvel at the silent film's charm. It's worth mentioning that the soundtrack for "City Lights" was composed by Chaplin himself, adding emotional depth to the film. Th...

 "Morocco," released in 1930, is a classic love story that has made a significant impact in terms of culture, history, and aesthetics. This film deeply moves its audience through its delicate emotional portrayals and character development. The movie opens with Amy, dressed in men's clothing, performing on stage, only to be met with jeers from the audience. This scene highlights Tom's unique character: while everyone else is booing, he's the lone soldier applauding and defending Amy. Tom's straightforwardness and bravery establish him as a steadfast figure in the eyes of the audience and set the stage for his relationship with Amy. Amy's mature allure contrasts sharply with Tom's masculine charisma. Marlene Dietrich's performance on screen is captivating; her every movement and glance are mesmerizing. Gary Cooper, with his straightforward and fearless demeanor, perfectly complements Dietrich's charm. Together, they create a compelling dynamic, t...

 "All Quiet on the Western Front," a classic film that won the 1930 Academy Award for Best Picture, is hailed as one of the greatest anti-war films of all time for its profound anti-war theme and exceptional artistic achievements. Spanning 133 minutes, the film narrates the story of World War I from the German perspective. Under the influence of their principal's nationalist and heroic rhetoric, seven classmates decisively abandon their studies to join the battlefield. Paul, the film's protagonist, once aspired to become the next Goethe or Schiller. However, the battlefield's relentless artillery, hunger, and the deaths of his comrades gradually shatter his romantic ideals. He begins to question the meaning of war, concluding that "every adult emperor needs a war to make a name for themselves. Generals too, they need war. Manufacturers profit from it." A pair of fine boots serves as a memorable prop in the film. After Franz's death, Müller dons his b...

  "Man with a Movie Camera" is Vertov's magnum opus and a groundbreaking documentary in the history of cinema. Vertov uses his unique cinematic language to transport viewers into a visual feast. The film lacks a traditional narrative and instead showcases the everyday life of Soviet cities in the 1920s through an array of innovative camera techniques. The film begins by following a cameraman as he captures scenes of people working, enjoying leisure activities, and going about their daily routines. The rapid cuts and diverse camera angles make the audience feel as though they are experiencing the events firsthand. Vertov employs techniques like slow motion, fast forward, and double exposure to create a magical visual effect. For instance, a scene of a man riding a bicycle is shown in slow motion, highlighting each intricate movement, which is truly mesmerizing. In another scene, the swift motion of factory machines, combined with the fast forward effect, underscores the po...

  "Street Angel" is a poignant film that vividly portrays the struggles and emotional entanglements of the lower class through its intricate plot and profound emotional expression. The film begins with the protagonist, Angela, resorting to street performances and theft to save her gravely ill mother. The somber tones and melancholic music effectively highlight her life's hardships and despair. While evading the police, Angela encounters the street artist Gino, and they quickly fall in love. Gino paints a beautiful portrait of her, symbolizing warmth and hope in human nature. However, Angela's past looms over her, and when she is recognized as a fugitive, her happiness is shattered. At this moment, the film draws the audience deep into her inner turmoil, showcasing her fear and helplessness. One of the film's most memorable scenes is Angela's helplessness in court. Faced with indifferent judges and onlookers, she cannot defend herself, and her silent protest an...

  "The Storm" is a thought-provoking film that delves into the themes of human nature and maternal love amidst a disaster. The film begins with a sudden storm hitting the Dutch province of Zeeland, where the protagonist Julia loses her son in the chaos. The somber tones and tense music throughout the film highlight the mercilessness of the disaster and Julia's inner despair. As the story progresses, Julia desperately searches for her son amidst the ruins. Her pain and determination deeply convey the greatness and helplessness of maternal love. The film showcases her resilience and vulnerability through her relentless search. In a particularly poignant scene, she finds a piece of her child’s clothing in the rubble, blending despair and hope in a heart-wrenching moment. The film's climax comes when Julia finally finds her son, only to discover that he has been rescued and taken in by another mother who lost her own family. This woman, having lost her own child, clings t...

"The Last Command" is a remarkable work featuring Emil Jannings, who portrays a Russian general transitioning from glory to decline. The film uses detailed realism, particularly through close-up shots, to capture the general's despair and struggle with fate. The film begins by showcasing the general's past grandeur with lavish scenes and exquisite costumes. As Tsarist Russia falls, the general experiences betrayal and humiliation, creating a striking contrast that enhances his tragic character. Jannings’ nuanced performance reveals the general's inner world, with every expression and gesture filled with emotion, allowing the audience to deeply feel his pain and helplessness. One particularly memorable scene involves the general being "dramatically" chosen to play a general in a film, recreating his former glory. This ironic twist is both heartbreaking and deeply moving, highlighting the cruelty of fate and the absurdity of history. The director cleverly ...

"The Passion of Joan of Arc" is an unparalleled cinematic masterpiece. Director Carl Theodor Dreyer, through his exceptional artistry and profound emotional depiction, brings to life the trial and sacrifice of Joan of Arc with striking clarity. The film, based on historical records, presents the final chapter of Joan's life, portraying her torment at the hands of the Catholic Church and the English occupation forces in a manner that is both harrowing and compelling. The film opens with Joan being led into the courtroom to face her relentless interrogators. Dreyer masterfully employs numerous facial close-ups and upward camera angles to convey Joan's fear, resolve, and tragic nobility. Each close-up feels like a Michelangelo sculpture, vividly capturing the inner world of the characters. The unadorned performances lend an authenticity that makes Joan's spirit palpably real to the audience. Joan is played by stage actress Falconetti, whose performance is so heart-wr...

"The Circus" is a classic film directed and starred by Charlie Chaplin, released on January 6, 1928. Chaplin won the special honorary Oscar for this film in 1927. Even in the 21st century, watching this movie again still brings laughter and profound reflections. In the film, Chaplin plays a tramp whose pure love shines through despite his poverty. His relationship with the circus owner's daughter, Mary, evolves from a crush to a selfless act of letting go, filled with emotional ups and downs. Chaplin's unique humor and delicate performance bring this complex emotional journey to life. In the movie, he cherishes the hope of love with just an egg, but when Mary comes to him, he generously and kindly lets her go to someone more suitable. This detail highlights the tramp's unselfishness and greatness; despite his sadness, he faces life with a smile. At the end of the film, the circus moves away in a cloud of dust, and the tramp sits quietly, leaving only a lonely figu...

  "Wings" weaves together the themes of war and love, presenting a vivid and powerful narrative. The film begins by portraying two young aviators, Jack and David, whose friendship evolves into rivalry as they both fall for the beautiful Mary. This love quadrangle, set against the backdrop of war, adds complexity and emotional depth to the story. One of the film's most memorable elements is the nearly hour-long battle scene. Director William Wellman, leveraging his background as a pilot, expertly recreates the intensity and brutality of aerial combat. The dogfights, the roar of cannons and machine guns, and the ground battles involving tanks and hand grenades create an immersive experience. The recreation of the Battle of Saint-Mihiel uses authentic military equipment, making the scenes extraordinarily realistic. Notably, during the filming, a pilot lost his life in a crash, highlighting the film's commitment to authenticity. This dedication to realism, especially in a...

"Metropolis," a classic film from 1927, stands as a testament to cinematic innovation and profound social critique. Its greatness lies not only in its technological advancements but also in its forward-thinking ideas and critical perspective on society. The film opens with the roar of machinery, setting the stage for a story where workers in black uniforms move like zombies to a cold, industrial workshop, descending into the underground. This striking image highlights the harsh realities of industrialization and the plight of the working class. Meanwhile, above the towering buildings, the affluent enjoy a life of luxury, starkly contrasting with the workers' grim existence. This visual and thematic juxtaposition effectively critiques societal class divisions. As a silent film, "Metropolis" relies on its visual storytelling and intertitles to convey the plot, requiring viewers to interpret the actors' body language and expressions. This ancient yet clear narr...

 "The General," a silent film released in 1927, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Its simple plot allows the audience to easily anticipate the next scene, and while the characters may seem somewhat shallow, in the context of 1927, these elements shine brilliantly, retaining their charm even after a century. Director Buster Keaton's meticulous study of the script is awe-inspiring. The film's plot is filled with humor and unexpected freshness. Even today, when we look back at some of the most classic comedy films, Keaton's work remains at the forefront. The film follows the protagonist, who is rejected from joining the army but eventually becomes a training officer. From the train chase scene, where he single-handedly takes on the enemy, to the joyous conclusion where everyone becomes an officer, the straightforward lines and humorous sequences keep the audience engaged and entertained. But "The General" is not just a comedy. It ...

This film can be considered the pinnacle of artistic achievement from the silent film era, and even when watched today, it still has the power to deeply move the audience's emotions. At the beginning of the film, the farmer, under the seduction of the city woman, decides to murder his wife. This plot point is highly dramatic and conflict-ridden. The inner struggle of the farmer is one of the highlights of the film. Murnau, through delicate performances and camera work, vividly portrays the farmer's conflicting emotions. We can see him torn between morality and desire, which not only adds complexity to the character but also sets the stage for the subsequent plot development. When the farmer takes his wife to the lake to carry out his plan, her innocence and trust make him abandon his evil intention. This segment is full of tension and emotion. The wife's purity and love deeply move the audience, prompting the farmer to reassess his actions. Murnau employs numerous close-up ...

Flesh and the Devil is a 1926 silent film directed by Clarence Brown and starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. As a classic romantic tragedy, this film captivates audiences with its compelling storyline and outstanding performances. However, certain plot transitions have elicited mixed reactions. The film introduces its main plot at the outset, with Greta Garbo portraying Felicitas, a typical romantic woman entangled in a passionate affair with John Gilbert’s character, Leo. When Felicitas's husband discovers their affair, he duels with Leo and is killed, resulting in Leo’s exile for five years. Before leaving, Leo asks his friend Ulrich to look after Felicitas. Unexpectedly, Felicitas shifts her affections to Ulrich and marries him. Five years later, Leo returns, only to be filled with regret upon learning the truth. A priest advises him to stay away from Felicitas, leading Leo to marry Ulrich's sister, who has always loved him.v Yet, Felicitas continues to haunt Leo like a ...

The film "Faust," shot in 1926, is a silent movie adapted from the famous German play of the same name. As a pioneer of the horror genre, it introduced several valuable innovations that remain impressive even today. This movie is notably innovative in its creation of horror elements. Although the script borrowed from Goethe's original work, director F.W. Murnau infused the film with unique horror aspects. In 1926, few films ventured into the realm of horror, making Murnau's depiction of the devil on screen a groundbreaking move. Using advanced visual effects of the time, the audience could experience a novel and unsettling sense of fear. The special effects in the opening puppet scene were particularly groundbreaking, successfully creating a chilling atmosphere. In terms of the script, the film stays fairly true to the original play but does exhibit some tonal shifts. In the first half of the story, the protagonist Faust sells his soul to the devil, incorporating some...