S 1921 Move notes

 Watching "Mutiny on the Bounty" was like stepping into a time machine. This 1935 classic isn't just a movie; it’s a journey into the past, into a world where the stakes were as high as the ocean waves that crashed against the ship. The film is based on true events, which already gives it an edge of intrigue. It's about an 18th-century British warship on a mission to Tahiti to gather breadfruit plants, with a planned voyage of two years. The captain, played with a chilling severity, rules with an iron fist, believing that fear and punishment are the best ways to maintain order. This oppressive regime doesn't sit well with the crew, leading to growing unrest and eventually, a full-blown mutiny led by the charismatic first officer. Clark Gable's portrayal of the first officer is nothing short of mesmerizing. He's a mix of courage, rebellion, and a desire for justice. His defiance against the captain’s tyranny isn’t just about survival; it’s about standing up...

 Watching "Bride of Frankenstein" is both an interesting and somewhat poignant experience. As a film from 1935, it was undoubtedly a technical marvel of its time, but today, some of its special effects and plot elements do feel a bit dated. However, this is precisely the charm of old movies: they allow us to see the evolution and progress of the film industry. In the movie, Frankenstein is portrayed as a lonely and pitiful creature, not evil, but driven to self-defense. His character is vastly different from the monsters in modern horror films, presenting more of a tragic figure. His creator is coerced into making a companion for him, who will become his bride. This plot itself carries a strong sci-fi flavor, with the idea of creating new life from corpses being very novel at the time. There are many scenes in the film that left a deep impression on me. For instance, the monster escaping and then suddenly returning to the original village puzzled me. How the professor's w...

 The film tells the story of Alice Adams, the daughter of a poor family, who strives to find her place in the affluent social circles. Her journey is full of struggle and hope, making it impossible not to empathize with her. From the very beginning, Alice appears at the ball in her heavily altered old dress. She tries to hide her predicament, but her helpless and self-conscious expression is truly touching. Katharine Hepburn's acting shines here; she isn't just playing a character but embodies a real person, someone we might encounter in our own lives. When Alice meets the handsome, wealthy young man at the ball, her eyes sparkle with hope and longing. Yet, she is acutely aware of the vast gap between her background and his. Every smile and every gesture is tinged with unease and nervousness. She tries to appear composed in front of everyone, but her internal struggle is constantly apparent. One of the most memorable scenes is the dinner at Alice's home, where she hosts the...

Watching "It Happened One Night," I can't help but marvel at its charm. The story is set during Prohibition-era America, where the spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews tries to escape her family's constraints by eloping to New York. Along the way, she meets down-and-out reporter Peter Warne, and together they embark on a hilariously sweet journey. In the beginning, Ellie comes off as a beautiful but brainless daddy’s girl. She meets Peter, a fast-talking reporter who initially seems slick and self-serving. But as the story unfolds, we see his caring, genuine side. Peter not only helps Ellie evade her family's pursuit but also teaches her how to navigate the real world. Their interactions gradually heat up their relationship, revealing Peter's sincerity and Ellie's underlying kindness. One of the most memorable scenes is when they share a night together, separated by a blanket Peter calls the “Walls of Jericho.” This scene is both funny and heartwarming, showcasin...

 Watching the 1934 film "Of Human Bondage" left me with a mix of emotions. While the film omits much of the original novel's exploration of life's meaning and the reasons behind suffering, it still has many commendable aspects. Adapted from W. Somerset Maugham's classic novel, the film may lack the depth of the book's philosophical inquiries, but it effectively portrays the complexities of human nature and emotional entanglement. Leslie Howard's portrayal of Philip and Bette Davis's portrayal of Mildred deliver an emotional punch. Howard's performance is nuanced and authentic, capturing the essence of a man torn between his desires and the harsh reality of unrequited love. His conflicted emotions every time he encounters Mildred are deeply moving. Bette Davis is undoubtedly the film's standout. Despite being an American, she flawlessly mimics the London Cockney accent. Her portrayal of Mildred, with her crudeness and wantonness, is dangerously ...

 "L'Atalante," this 1934 gem, really struck a chord with me. It's like a beautiful love poem, gently singing the purest form of love. From the get-go, I was captivated by Juliette's eyes, sparkling with curiosity. This country girl boldly marries the captain, Jean, and hops aboard the Atalante - a worn-out boat brimming with warmth. Watching them chase each other on deck, I could almost taste the sweetness of first love. That scene where Jean dunks his head underwater to find Juliette's reflection? Breathtaking. But life ain't no fairy tale, right? Juliette's yearning for the outside world, Jean's roughness and jealousy - these are like ripples on calm water, slowly growing, eventually triggering their separation. When Juliette steps onto Parisian soil alone, my heart was in my mouth. The bustling city, unfamiliar faces, Juliette's mix of confusion and excitement - I was both thrilled and worried for her. The shot of Jean sailing away alone is...

 Duck Soup? Man, after watching this so-called "comedy classic" from 1933, I'm torn between laughing and crying. Marx Brothers, are you guys pulling my leg? When the story kicked off, I still had a glimmer of hope. The Republic of Freedonia appoints this wacko president, Rufus T. Firefly, and I thought, "Hey, this might be fun." Boy, was I wrong. Firefly's presidency is like a never-ending circus act. He mocks ministers, flirts with rich girls, spouts nonsense in Congress, and treats diplomacy like a game. I figured this was supposed to be a jab at incompetent leaders, but guess what? This nutjob actually wins the war! Is this satire or praise? I'm completely lost. The Marx Brothers' performance? Okay, I'll give them props for their mirror scene chemistry. But come on, is this your A-game? Compared to Chaplin or Keaton, it's small potatoes. Those so-called "jokes," like the bathtub prank or the squabble in front of the vendor'...

 "Triumph of Faith" stands as a thought-provoking historical testament. In 1933, when Leni Riefenstahl's camera captured the grandeur of the Nuremberg Rally, she likely didn't foresee that this work would become a significant marker of the Nazi rise to power. The film opens with breathtaking scenes that immediately captivate the audience: thousands of SS troops in perfect formation, flags billowing in the wind. This visual impact is truly awe-inspiring. Riefenstahl's camera work is inventive, using low-angle shots to make figures appear more imposing and authoritative, while aerial shots showcase the rally's massive scale, allowing viewers to feel the Nazi party's strength. Hitler's appearance marks the film's climax. Standing at the podium, his voice booming and eyes piercing, I could sense how his inflammatory speech deeply enthralled everyone present. This scene sent chills down my spine as I realized how such oratory, combined with meticulously...

 The 1933 adaptation of "Little Women" transports us to mid-19th century America, an era when women were just beginning to seek their own value. The film, through the story of the four March sisters, presents a world full of warmth yet not devoid of real-world challenges. Jo's character left a lasting impression on me. Katharine Hepburn's portrayal of Jo is brimming with vitality and rebellious spirit. Her love for writing and yearning for freedom stand in stark contrast to society's expectations of women at the time. Hepburn's performance is vivid and natural, especially in scenes where she jumps over fences and slides down staircases, showcasing Jo's free spirit and resistance to traditional constraints. The film skillfully depicts the friendship between Jo and Laurie. Their interactions are full of joy and understanding, but director George Cukor wisely refrains from pushing this relationship into romance. Instead, Jo's encounter with Professor Bhae...

  "Scarface" captivates the audience with its unique charm, transporting them to Prohibition-era Chicago. The film opens with the character of Tony, a rustic figure whose crude behavior and sinister expressions leave a lasting impression. What truly draws me in is the bloody rampage of Tony's gang. In one chilling night scene, a black car drives by, unleashing a burst of machine gun fire, leaving a man writhing in pain on the ground. As the car speeds away, the shadow of a street sign forms a cross on the ground. This type of scene recurs throughout the film, creating an almost suffocating atmosphere of tension. Paul Muni's performance as Tony is effortlessly natural, especially memorable when he is finally cornered, displaying a blend of arrogance and cunning. When faced with retaliation from other mobsters, rather than showing fear amid the hail of bullets, Tony contemplates how to get hold of the same model of machine gun. This calm demeanor showcases the character...

 "Blood of a Poet" is a film rich in symbolism and metaphor, leading viewers into a dreamlike world from the very beginning. The film explores the inner journey of a poet, delving into the complexities of art and creation. The poet encounters a strange mirror in his room, and as his hand passes through it, he enters a fantastical realm. This scene evokes a sense of Alice in Wonderland but with a deeper philosophical undertone. In this fantastical world, the poet meets various mysterious characters and scenes. He witnesses a young boy falling from a great height, a moment filled with tragic beauty and an enigmatic power. The poet then enters a room filled with statues, each seemingly telling its own story. As the poet touches each statue, it feels as if he is engaging in a profound dialogue with them. This scene is laden with symbolic meaning, exploring the essence of artistic creation. One of the most striking moments in the film is when the poet, after passing through the mi...

 "Trouble in Paradise," released in 1932, is a classic film brimming with light-hearted humor. Set against the backdrop of Paris during the Great Depression, the movie tells the story of two charming con artists, Gaston and Lily, who, through clever schemes, deceive wealthy socialites and embark on a complex and amusing romance in the process. The film opens with Gaston posing as an Italian doctor in a luxurious Venice hotel, quickly gaining the trust of the hotel owner. His first encounter with Lily is marked by mutual suspicion, which ultimately leads to the realization that they are both con artists, sparking a deep attraction between them. This scene, rich with witty dialogue and clever setup, perfectly showcases the intelligence and allure of the main characters. As Gaston and Lily decide to team up, they set their sights on the wealthy perfume company owner, Mariette. Gaston becomes Mariette's secretary, while Lily infiltrates her life as his assistant. As they exec...

Grand Hotel is a classic film that brought together numerous MGM superstars. Although its historical standing is modest, the film still showcases significant entertainment value and star power. The plot revolves around the diverse guests of a luxurious hotel, each with their unique storyline, creating a film rich in drama and conflict. The film opens with a brilliant montage, depicting the daily lives of the hotel manager, staff, an entrepreneur, a dancer and her maid, and a baron. This scene concludes with Dr. Otternschlag’s line, “Grand Hotel. People come, people go. Nothing ever happens.” This sets the stage for the main storyline, providing a snapshot of the various states of life during the rapid economic growth after the war. Greta Garbo’s portrayal of the dancer Grusinskaya is one of the film’s most captivating performances. Her line, “I want to be alone,” was ranked 30th in the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes. Although Garbo herself felt the line was misquoted, it eerily...

  "Freaks," a 1932 film directed by Tod Browning, tells a bizarre story set in a circus, making it one of the most unique films in cinema history due to its daring casting and shocking plot. The story centers around Hans, a dwarf who falls deeply in love with the tall and beautiful trapeze artist Cleopatra. Unbeknownst to Hans, Cleopatra doesn't love him; she plans to marry him to steal his inheritance. During the wedding feast, she and her lover Hercules openly mock Hans and the other sideshow performers. The tension and hostility at the wedding are palpable, and the audience can feel Hans's heartbreak while also being struck by the anger of the other "freaks." In retaliation for Cleopatra's deceit and humiliation, the sideshow performers band together to exact a terrifying revenge on her. On a stormy night, they capture Cleopatra and transform her into a grotesque figure with no limbs and covered in feathers. This scene, with its powerful visual effect...

"Das Blaue Licht," directed by Leni Riefenstahl in 1932, derives its story from her travels in the Sarnthal mountains of northern Italy. The film tells a mysterious legend: on nights with a full moon, a mysterious blue light shines on the cliffs, and a beautiful "witch" descends into the valley, luring men from the village to follow her up the mountain, only for them to fall to their deaths from the dizzying peaks. From the beginning, the film immerses the audience in a world brimming with mystery. Every time the full moon rises, casting blue light over the cliffs, the visual effects are stunning. The appearance of the witch adds suspense to the story; her beauty and mystery both captivate and terrify. This character design and plot development not only pique the audience's curiosity but also deepen the film's mysterious atmosphere. The decision to shoot on location in real mountain environments results in visually breathtaking scenes. The treacherous peaks,...

  "The Public Enemy" is a classic gangster film that tells the divergent life paths of two brothers, Tom and Mike. From a young age, Tom shows no interest in a legitimate career and joins the underworld with his friend Matt, making money through illegal activities. In stark contrast, Mike pursues education, working during the day and attending night school, eventually enlisting when the country calls. The film excels in its plot structure and character relationships. Tom and Mike's choices not only reflect their individual personalities and fates but also represent two extremes of society. Tom's descent into crime ultimately leads to his tragic end, while Mike symbolizes hope and the force of justice. The film's ending is particularly striking. Tom's mother joyfully tidies his room, unaware that Mike is downstairs, facing Tom's lifeless body in a mix of anger and helplessness. This scene, with its sharp contrasts and conflicts, powerfully conveys the compl...

Little Caesar is a pioneering gangster film directed by Mervyn LeRoy and starring Edward G. Robinson. Robinson's passionate performance as the title character created an unforgettable role that not only achieved great success at the time but also influenced future gangster films. His final line, "Is this the end of Rico?" is both humorous and thought-provoking, showcasing the complexity of his character. The film tells the story of a small-time hoodlum who climbs to the top of the gang world through violence and cunning. With a fierce, wolf-like nature, Little Caesar spends his days hacking and slashing his way to power, only to meet a tragic end on the streets. Through his fate, the film explores an important theme: choice. Little Caesar chooses the life of a gangster, enduring endless bloodshed in his quest to become a feared mob boss, ultimately paying the price with his life. In stark contrast is his friend Joe, who chooses to leave the underworld behind and pursue hi...

 M is a pioneering work in the film noir genre, with many gangster film techniques tracing their origins back to this movie. The film showcases advanced investigative methods of its time, such as fingerprint analysis, area searches, and note analysis. The story begins with the chilling revelation that several little girls have been murdered, and soon, the murderer emerges. While the characters in the film remain unaware of the killer's identity, the audience's attention shifts to the process of capturing him rather than identifying him. When M is finally caught by the gangsters, the focus of the story shifts to the confrontation between the police and the gang, though this confrontation is portrayed in a single scene. The film reaches its climax in the last ten minutes with the gang's trial of M, elevating the narrative to new heights. One striking sequence depicts the simultaneous efforts of the gang and the police to arrest M. Through seamless time-space editing, the dire...

Cimarron, a classic film that chronicles the development of the American West, won the 4th Academy Award for Best Picture, establishing the concept of the "American Western." The story unfolds in Oklahoma, a land that transforms from desolate prairie to a bustling oil city in just 40 years. The protagonist, Yancey, is an adventurous lawyer who, along with his wife Sabra, journeys from the East to this land of opportunity and peril. The opening land rush scene is unforgettable. Thousands of people scramble for land, with the thunderous sound of hooves, dust flying, and shouts echoing. Despite the lack of aerial photography technology at the time, the director masterfully captures this historical moment with exceptional staging and cinematography. Yancey is not only a lawyer but also a sharpshooter. He publishes newspapers, battles outlaws, and comments on current affairs, embodying the bravery and justice of the Western pioneers. He advocates for the rights of Native Americans...