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...

"He Who Gets Slapped" is an impressive silent film that, through its profound psychological portrayal and Lon Chaney's superb performance, presents a story filled with tragic undertones. The film tells the story of scientist Paul Beaumont (played by Lon Chaney). After achieving a significant scientific breakthrough in his career, he is betrayed by his mentor and wife, who steal his research and publicly humiliate him. This scene not only showcases Paul's emotional collapse but also highlights his dual blow in terms of social status and self-esteem. Chaney, with his delicate facial expressions and body language, vividly conveys Paul's inner anger, shame, and despair. After becoming a clown in a circus, Paul renames himself "He Who Gets Slapped," specializing in a performance where he gets slapped repeatedly. This character is rich in irony: he is mocked and ridiculed by the audience on stage, yet he uses this act to mask his inner pain. Chaney's perfo...