For me, this was a masterpiece. I watched a beautifully restored Criterion Collection version that really highlighted the movie’s special effects as well as the really stellar silent acting. The acting in American silents can often feel for me stilted, melodramatic, and theatrical (which it was, obviously)–but there was a noticeable shift in acting style… Read More The Phantom Carriage (1921)
Notable for being the oldest surviving feature by an African-American, Oscar Micheaux. The version I watched was of poor quality and I think it was missing the ending, so it’s tough to say much here.
D.W. Griffith has always been a director who I “should” like, but just haven’t connected with. He invented so much of the language filmmakers use and movies wouldn’t be the same without him–but I’ve always found his movies to lack a certain sense of soul. I can admire the inventive techniques, but I wouldn’t want… Read More Broken Blossoms (1919)
Winkie's Diner 