S 1921 Move notes

  "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 ...