S 1921 Move notes

"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...

"Sherlock Jr." is a quintessential work by the "Great Stone Face" Buster Keaton. This 1924 silent film, with its superb performance, ingenious use of props, and smooth pacing, still captivates audiences to this day. Watching the film feels like entering a whimsical dream. The film immediately introduces the main storyline: "This is a story about a boy who tried. While working as a projectionist in a small-town theater, he is also studying to become a detective." Keaton plays the boy, a cinema projectionist with dreams of becoming a detective. The story is threaded together with detective books and screen films, connecting the two parts of the plot. In the first part of the film, the boy embarks on his detective journey by reading detective books. This section is full of innocence and humor. The book, a simple prop, not only advances the plot but also leads the boy to make a series of earnest yet hilarious choices, leaving the audience in stitches. In the 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...

The Iron Horse , directed by John Ford in 1924, is a silent film that portrays the construction of America’s first transcontinental railroad. It is a visually stunning masterpiece that captures the challenges and sacrifices faced in the pursuit of progress and dreams. The film’s detailed narrative and strong emotional contrasts reflect the societal changes and complexities of human nature during that era. The main storyline unfolds through the perspective of a young engineer who, after witnessing his father's murder, dedicates himself to the construction of the railroad to fulfill his father's dream. This narrative not only highlights the hardships and triumphs of building the railroad but also delves into the protagonist’s emotional journey and character development. The film, through this central storyline, underscores the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the quest for dreams. To drive the main plot forward, several key supporting characters are introduced....

"Greed" is a classic film that explores the depths of human nature and desire, depicting the dramatic changes in character and fate brought about by sudden wealth. The movie tells the story of a loving and kind couple who, after coming into a large sum of money, experience a drastic shift in their personalities and relationship, ultimately leading to their downfall. The stark contrast between the male and female protagonists before and after winning the lottery is crucial in highlighting the dramatic watershed that occurs. To enhance the main storyline, the film introduces a supporting character who evolves from self-sacrifice to jealousy and resentment, eventually destroying the lives of the main couple and spiraling into his own desert of destruction driven by money madness. This character not only sets up and advances the main couple’s acquaintance and romance but also provides external stimulation and a brutal endpoint to their transformation. Through this character’s jou...

After watching "Safety Last!", I was deeply captivated. As a silent comedy film, it showcases urban life in the 1920s through its unique narrative style and exquisite stunt performances. The film not only achieves the pinnacle of comedic effect but also, through delicate performances and authentic scenes, recreates the ambiance of that era, leaving a lasting impression. What impressed me the most was Harold Lloyd's climbing scene on the skyscraper. This stunt is a classic, showcasing Lloyd's extraordinary physical prowess and fearless courage. As he climbs the building, he encounters a series of unexpected obstacles, from being disturbed by pigeons to nearly falling off a clock. Each moment keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Particularly, the scene where he hangs from the clock is filled with tension, yet it also highlights his wit and bravery. This iconic moment not only demonstrates the high level of stunt performance during the silent film era but also ...