S 1921 Move notes

  "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,...