S 1921 Move notes

"The Phantom of the Opera," a 1925 silent film classic, captivates with its unique charm and profound influence. As I watched, I was drawn to multiple highlights that not only led to its immense success at the time but also cemented its status as an immortal classic in film history. Firstly, Lon Chaney's performance and makeup are unforgettable. Chaney plays Erik, the Phantom, who hides in the underground labyrinth of the Paris Opera House due to his facial deformities. Through his exquisite acting, Chaney vividly portrays Erik's inner pain, loneliness, and madness. His self-created makeup, using false teeth, a false nose, and eye effects, perfectly brings the Phantom's terrifying visage to life. The moment when Christine first removes Erik's mask, revealing his true face, leaves viewers not only visually stunned but also deeply empathetic towards the character's despair and suffering. The film's plot and narrative closely adhere to Gaston Leroux's...

"The Gold Rush" is undoubtedly one of Charlie Chaplin's most cherished works and certainly one of his most entertaining. As a classic silent comedy, it holds a prominent place in the annals of world cinema. Each viewing of this film deepens my appreciation for Chaplin's unique comedic genius. From my first viewing of "The Gold Rush," I was immediately drawn to Chaplin's performance. His small stature and exaggerated movements reminded me of a cartoon character. Yet, his performance was so authentic that I couldn't help but believe he was a real person. This fascinating contradiction made his character even more intriguing. Two scenes in the film stand out vividly in my memory. The first is the dance scene with Georgia, where Chaplin's pants suddenly come loose. To avoid losing his pants, he clutches them while dancing, resulting in hilariously awkward movements and expressions. I found myself laughing uncontrollably at this scene. Eventually, he ...

"Battleship Potemkin," directed by the visual master Sergei Eisenstein, is a masterpiece that continues to awe audiences with its brilliant performances, meticulous use of props, and seamless pacing. This 1925 silent film, based on the 1905 naval uprising in the Soviet Union, is structured into five parts: "Men and Maggots," "Tragedy on the Quarterdeck," "A Dead Man Calls Out," "Odessa Steps," and "Meeting the Squadron." Despite having no dialogue, Eisenstein's rich montage techniques, precise rhythm, and dynamic music create a stunning audiovisual experience. The film opens by immediately setting the scene, depicting the sailors' revolt against maggot-infested meat through close-ups of the maggots, the doctor's glasses, and the sailors' angry reactions. This constant switching of shots vividly portrays the sailors' struggle for their rights. The repetitive montage technique used during the plate-throwing s...