S 1921 Move notes

 "Frankenstein," a classic black-and-white film released in 1931, remains captivating and influential despite some performances now appearing exaggerated. The brief introduction at the beginning sets an intriguing tone, immediately immersing the audience in a world full of grotesque wonder. The scene where Frankenstein is created is surreal, with the setup of three normal viewers and one madman adding an element of absurdity. When Frankenstein flips the switch, the corpse slowly rises, revealing the mysteries of life and death, symbolizing the birth of Frankenstein. This moment is both shocking and symbolic. Frankenstein's encounter with the woodcutter's daughter is particularly poignant. The little girl, unafraid of the monster's grotesque appearance, invites him to play, symbolizing human kindness and innocence. As the girl tosses flowers into the lake, Frankenstein feels joy and, in a tragic turn, throws the girl into the lake. This heart-wrenching scene unders...

 "City Lights," a classic silent film released in 1931, stands out even as sound films had been developing for three years. Despite the industry's shift towards sound, Chaplin chose to stick with silent cinema and even humorously mocked talkies at the film's beginning. With his iconic top hat, cane, ill-fitting suit, and distinctive walk, Chaplin crafted the character of an unrefined gentleman, greeting everyone with a tip of his hat, filled with drama and humor. The story revolves around the life of a small, ordinary man. The boxing scene is particularly brilliant; what should be a powerful and passionate boxing match is turned into a stage for the boxers to "dance." Chaplin's light-footed pace and clever movements showcase his exceptional comedic talent, making audiences marvel at the silent film's charm. It's worth mentioning that the soundtrack for "City Lights" was composed by Chaplin himself, adding emotional depth to the film. Th...

 "Morocco," released in 1930, is a classic love story that has made a significant impact in terms of culture, history, and aesthetics. This film deeply moves its audience through its delicate emotional portrayals and character development. The movie opens with Amy, dressed in men's clothing, performing on stage, only to be met with jeers from the audience. This scene highlights Tom's unique character: while everyone else is booing, he's the lone soldier applauding and defending Amy. Tom's straightforwardness and bravery establish him as a steadfast figure in the eyes of the audience and set the stage for his relationship with Amy. Amy's mature allure contrasts sharply with Tom's masculine charisma. Marlene Dietrich's performance on screen is captivating; her every movement and glance are mesmerizing. Gary Cooper, with his straightforward and fearless demeanor, perfectly complements Dietrich's charm. Together, they create a compelling dynamic, t...

 "All Quiet on the Western Front," a classic film that won the 1930 Academy Award for Best Picture, is hailed as one of the greatest anti-war films of all time for its profound anti-war theme and exceptional artistic achievements. Spanning 133 minutes, the film narrates the story of World War I from the German perspective. Under the influence of their principal's nationalist and heroic rhetoric, seven classmates decisively abandon their studies to join the battlefield. Paul, the film's protagonist, once aspired to become the next Goethe or Schiller. However, the battlefield's relentless artillery, hunger, and the deaths of his comrades gradually shatter his romantic ideals. He begins to question the meaning of war, concluding that "every adult emperor needs a war to make a name for themselves. Generals too, they need war. Manufacturers profit from it." A pair of fine boots serves as a memorable prop in the film. After Franz's death, Müller dons his b...

  "Man with a Movie Camera" is Vertov's magnum opus and a groundbreaking documentary in the history of cinema. Vertov uses his unique cinematic language to transport viewers into a visual feast. The film lacks a traditional narrative and instead showcases the everyday life of Soviet cities in the 1920s through an array of innovative camera techniques. The film begins by following a cameraman as he captures scenes of people working, enjoying leisure activities, and going about their daily routines. The rapid cuts and diverse camera angles make the audience feel as though they are experiencing the events firsthand. Vertov employs techniques like slow motion, fast forward, and double exposure to create a magical visual effect. For instance, a scene of a man riding a bicycle is shown in slow motion, highlighting each intricate movement, which is truly mesmerizing. In another scene, the swift motion of factory machines, combined with the fast forward effect, underscores the po...

  "Street Angel" is a poignant film that vividly portrays the struggles and emotional entanglements of the lower class through its intricate plot and profound emotional expression. The film begins with the protagonist, Angela, resorting to street performances and theft to save her gravely ill mother. The somber tones and melancholic music effectively highlight her life's hardships and despair. While evading the police, Angela encounters the street artist Gino, and they quickly fall in love. Gino paints a beautiful portrait of her, symbolizing warmth and hope in human nature. However, Angela's past looms over her, and when she is recognized as a fugitive, her happiness is shattered. At this moment, the film draws the audience deep into her inner turmoil, showcasing her fear and helplessness. One of the film's most memorable scenes is Angela's helplessness in court. Faced with indifferent judges and onlookers, she cannot defend herself, and her silent protest an...

  "The Storm" is a thought-provoking film that delves into the themes of human nature and maternal love amidst a disaster. The film begins with a sudden storm hitting the Dutch province of Zeeland, where the protagonist Julia loses her son in the chaos. The somber tones and tense music throughout the film highlight the mercilessness of the disaster and Julia's inner despair. As the story progresses, Julia desperately searches for her son amidst the ruins. Her pain and determination deeply convey the greatness and helplessness of maternal love. The film showcases her resilience and vulnerability through her relentless search. In a particularly poignant scene, she finds a piece of her child’s clothing in the rubble, blending despair and hope in a heart-wrenching moment. The film's climax comes when Julia finally finds her son, only to discover that he has been rescued and taken in by another mother who lost her own family. This woman, having lost her own child, clings t...