M-1931

Germany

Length: 117 minutes

Director: Fritz Lang

Cast: Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Langut, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos

www.imdb.com/title/tt0022100/

Eric's Impressions: One of cinema's most haunting films, this one will leave you confused in the end as you will find some sympathy for a person who kills children. Played brilliantly by the always memorable Peter Lorre, the main character is a man running from the police for the crimes he has committed. At first you want the murderer to be caught, but when you find out how corrupt the police and government of this German city are, you almost want him to get away. Lorre will creep you out with his pre-killing whistling and overall demeanor. The stories of how director Fritz Lang mistreated his actors are legendary, but in a way they may have assisted Lang in reaching a higher level of acting prowess.

Natalie's Impressions: What struck me most about this film was its timeless message. This film is still very relevant today and that is a frightening fact. When Eric first told me about this film, I swore I would never watch it because it sounded like a really stupid horror movie but it is not at all a stupid horror movie. Above all, it is sad. Very very very sad. I am glad I did finally see it because it moved me a great deal. It is a film that will stay with you for a long time. A perfect film, in my opinion. The timing of the scenes, the length of them, the action-reaction time of the actors with each other is flawless. This is superb directing by Lang.

COUNTDOWN: Just 953 movies to go!

City Lights- 1931

U.S.

Length: 87 minutes

Director: Charlie Chaplin

Cast: Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers, El Ernest Garcia, Hank Mann, Charles Chaplin

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021749

Eric's Impressions: When people ask me to list my all-time favorite movies, this one comes up early in the discussion. If the final scene between the blind girl and the Tramp - in what is arguably film's greatest scene - doesn't make you cry then you probably don't have a heart. This movie has it all and makes a poignant statement on the social class system. You'll never forget the comedic and choreographed sequences - the party and boxing scenes stand out - and it also reminds us of how love can overcome all obstacles. It's interesting to note that even though he could have made it as a talkie, Chaplin refused to do so and kept it silent. I think it was the right choice. I was very happy to see it make a major jump in the latest American Film Institute rankings of the to 100 films (from 76 to 11).

Natalie's Impressions: This movie marks my introduction to Chaplin. Although I had seen some of his shorts before watching this film, I didn't become aware of his genius until after seeing this movie, which is my favorite Chaplin film even after subsequently watching all his other films. I agree with Eric that this film is way better as a silent film than it would have been as a talkie. I think it would have lost a lot of its charm and innocence in a way. The silent aspect somehow makes the message all the more powerful and heartfelt. I would mind seeing this film jump into AFI's top ten- maybe next time.

COUNTDOWN: Just 954 movies left!

Frankenstein-1931

U.S.

Length: 71 minutes

Director: James Whale

Cast: Collin Clive, Mae Clark, John Boles, Boris Karloff, Edward Van Sloan, Frederick Kerr, Dwight Frye, Lionel Belmore, Marilyn Harris

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021884/

Eric's Impressions: Though I much prefer the Mel Brooks' classic, "Young Frankenstein," I have to give this movie it's due in horror film history despite it not being all that scary. I know I'm in the minority based on all the vampire movies out there, but I always found the Frankenstein story much more interesting than the predictable blood-sucking fare. Boris Karlof is superb as the monster as is Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein.

Natalie's Impressions: Most important horror film ever made. Yay. Whoopie. This film reminds me why I don't like the horror genre- cheesy, pastiche, parody. I personally find it all somewhat pointless. Six years ago I had to read Shelley's book the summer before my freshman year in college. That year I learned way more about the Frankenstein phenomena than I ever cared to. My college's library had a large collection of Frankenstein, Dracula, Vampire movies. We watched this film and the many spin-offs of the Frankenstein story in several required classes so that I now not only have analyzed the literature but also the films in academic settings. None of that analysis really stuck with me, but I certainly see why this movie is included because I would agree that it is the epitome of the horror film. I also like Boris Karloff and was not so disappointed by Collin Clive.

COUNTDOWN: Just 955 movies to go!

Dracula- 1931

U.S.

Length: 75 minutes

Director: Tod Browning

Cast: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye, Edward van Sloan, Herbert Bunstom, Frances Dade, Joan Standing, Tod Browning, Michael Visaroff, Charles K. Gerrard

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/

Eric's Impressions: This was always my favorite vampire movie until I saw "Nosferatu." It's hard for me to think of anyone playing the title character better than Bela Lugosi. Who will ever forget the classic line, "Cheeldren of the naight, leesten to thaim." I've mentioned my admiration for director Tod Browning - the Tim Burton of his time - in other reviews. This movie is often credited for making the horror genre more mainstream and despite a weak ending, it's still an all-time classic.

Natalie's Impressions: The original Dracula! My expectations were perhaps too high before I saw this film. I think our society is slightly desensitized to high tech Dracula movies- at least I am. Vampire and Dracula movies were already pasé for me before I even saw my first one. I sit through each one incredibly bored, trying to find something other than the ridiculous plot to interest me. This film's acting was mildly interesting, but I knew that it would be going into it. So no surprise there. I was actually underwhelmed with the lack of dramatic climax and was not overly impressed with the use of sound or with the art direction. Maybe I was just not in the right mood when I saw this film but I think I could have died happily not ever seeing it.

COUNTDOWN: Just 956 movies to go!

Tabu- 1931

U.S.

Length: 84 minutes

Director: F.W. Murnau

Cast: Anne Chevalier, Reri, Matahi, Hitu, Jean, Jules, Ah Kong

www.imdb.com/title/tt0022458/

Eric's Impressions: I probably didn't give this film a fair shake as I was so glad to be out of the Silent Era when we watched it, only to realize that it in fact was another silent film. Though the film is filled with beautiful imagery and landscapes in Bora Bora, I couldn't help but think I was just watching a tropical "Nanook of the North." With that being said, I'm a big fan of two of Murnau's other films - the previously discussed, "Nosferatu" and "The Last Laugh."

Natalie's Impressions: Of the Murnau films I have seen, this is probably my favorite, besides The Last Laugh. He was such a versatile director. He did everything from horror to comedy to drama. This film has a documentary aesthetic to it in the way it was filmed, seemingly documenting a tribe of French Polynesians. I can see how it won an Oscar for best cinematography. I can only imagine how spectacular the film could have been in color! Although no professional actors were used in this film and the names of the main characters in the film were the names of the actors, the acting was pretty good. The stoic facial expression of the chief, the desperate look of Reri, and the determined, hopeful and despairing looks that move across Matahi's face over the course of the film are what will stand out in my memory.

COUNTDOWN: Just 957 movies to go!

Le Million- 1931

France

Length: 89 minutes

Director: René Clair

Cast:

www.imdb.com/title/tt0022150/

Eric's Impressions: This film packs a pretty solid 1-2 punch for director Rene Clair as he made the last entry, "A Nous La Liberte," the same year as this one. Like Natalie, I enjoyed this one much more, especially because it got so ridiculous at times that you have to applaud the filmmakers for letting it get out of hand. I need to look further into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Monty Python troupe listed this as one of their most influential films. The chase sequences would make Benny Hill blush and the entire cast is in on the joke as they have no problem letting their hair down to move the story along.

Natalie's Impressions: I found this Clair film to be much more entertaining than A Nous la Liberté. I laughed out loud many times, but not necessarily because of the physical comedy, but rather for the pure silliness of the whole thing. The chase scenes were excellent, especially the one scored to the sounds of a rugby game where a jacket gets tossed around like a ball in rugby. The score as a whole, in fact, was one of the strongest parts of the film, in my opinion. I thought this film had a better balance of dialogue, songs and silence than the previous film. I didn't find the songs that were used as storytelling vehicles as annoying, but rather entertaining because they were so silly.

COUNTDOWN: Just 958 movies to go!

Freedom for Us- 1931

France

Length: 104 minutes

Director: René Clair

Cast: Raymond Cordy, Henri Marchand, Paul Ollivier, Andre Michaud, Rolla France, Germaine Aussey, Leon Lorin, William Burke, Jacques Shelley, Vincent Hyspa

www.imdb.com/title/tt0022599/

Eric's Impressions: Natalie refers to the charges of plagiarism by the producer of this one to Charlie Chaplin's classic, "Modern Times." If the plagiarism charge revolves around the plot of both movies being based in a factory and a conveyor belt scene then Chaplin is guilty because that's the only similarity I found between the two. The main characters/buddies are sensational each time they hit the screen together, but only average when apart. Rene Clair is an interesting filmmaker and gets even better with his next movie, "Le Million."

Natalie's Impressions: I think I only laughed out loud once during this film. Charlie Chaplin is 100 times funnier than René Clair or any of the actors in the film. I can see the similarities between the two but Chaplin somehow does everything better and funnier. I'll take Modern Times over this any day. I also didn't really care for the musical numbers. Most of the time there was sound, it was singing instead of dialogue and I am not a huge fan of musicals in the first place. One thing I did like about the film was that it didn't become preachy about the evils and fears of modernization, which many other film makers of the era were obsessed with. Instead, the film has a positive message told through comedy.

COUNTDOWN: Just 959 movies to go!

All Quiet on the Western Front- 1930

U.S.

Length: 131 minutes

Director: Lewis Milestone

Cast: Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayers, John Wray, Arnold Lucy, Ben Alexander, Scott Kolk, Owen Davis Jr., Walter Rogers, William Bakewell, Russell Gleason, Richard Alexander, Harold Goodwin, Beryl Mercer

www.imdb.com/title/tt0020629/

Eric's Impressions: For all whom have ever questioned why we ever go to war, this is the movie to watch. Much like the Bob Dylan anti-war classic, "Master of War," this is a timeless creation that can relate to every war ever fought and every one that has yet to take place. It's not surprising to find out that director Lewis Milestone was a war veteran himself. It gives the film an authenticity much like Oliver Stone did with his Vietnam War tales ("Platoon" and "Born on the Fourth of July." If you're thinking about joining the military, please check this one out. Nothing is more heart-wrenching than seeing the mother of a soldier not even able to identify her own son following battle.

Natalie's Impressions: For me, one of the most tragic moments in the film is at the very beginning when the boys' teacher gives them a motivational speech about joining the army and then peer pressure exerts its force on each classmate, one after the other, as they stand up and start singing joyfully about what they are about to experience. This scene captures Remarque's sense of impending doom perfectly. This film is a rare complement to the film adaptation genre. There are so many talking points for this film. I could go on and on about the innovative technology at the dawn of sound films, the powerful message of the film so soon after WWI and right before WWII, the ironic turn of Ayer's career after making the film, the incredibly fact that German censors passed the film when it came out, even in the face of fierce Nazi opposition, and the many other tragic scenes in the film that point to the futility of war.

COUNTDOWN: Just 960 movies to go!

Little Caesar- 1930

U.S.A.

Length: 79 minutes

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

Cast: Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., Sidney Blackmer, Ralph Ince, Maurice Black, Nicholas Bela, Armand Kaliz

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021079

Eric's Impressions: I've always been a big fan of the gangster genre whether it's on the big screen ("The Godfather" series, "Goodfellas," and "Mean Streets" just to name a few) and on the small screen ("The Sopranos"). With films like this one, it's nice to see the beginnings of the genre. Edward G. Robinson is great as the main character. As we watch his speedy climb to the top of the underworld and his quicker fall, we are reminded of so many other gangster stories, but this one deserves it's just due for being one of the first.

Natalie's Impressions: This film was a welcome break from the films we have been watching previously because it is one of the first in the gang genre. Robinson is the typical gangster that rises to the top only to fall in the end because of a tragic character flaw. The story of the tragic hero is not unique but it is somewhat remarkable that this film was produced during the heart of the Great Depression. In a way, it echoes the fear that many individuals felt at the time in the face of economic ruin. In this sense, the film is a timely one for today's audiences as well.

COUNTDOWN: Just 961 movies to go!

Earth- 1930

U.S.S.R.

Length: 75 minutes

Director: Aleksandr Dovzhenko

Cast: Stepan Shkurat, Semyon Svashenko, Yuliya Solntseva, Yelena Maksimova, Nikolai Nademsky

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021571/

Eric's Impressions: Ummm. Hmmm. Ummm. Hmmm. Where do I begin or better yet, where do I end this review? This is one of the more boring movies on the list and though filled with beautiful imagery, not an especially enjoyable viewing experience. Like all Russian films reviewed thus far, this one revolves around Communist propaganda with a script that was censored of some of its better scenes after viewing by the government. I will never forget the farmers peeing in the tractor and I believe I even peed myself as I fell asleep a few times watching it.

Natalie's Impressions: Now that is has been a few days since I watched this film, I am regretting not writing this review right away because I don't remember the film. It was very forgettable. I do remember the scene where the farmer pees in the tractor's radiator to get it to go because they don't have any water to put in it. And I remember the main character, Basil getting shot by the enemy group of farmers that were mad that Basil's rich group had a tractor. 75 minutes was too long. The religious theme- or rather the questioning of God's existence- added at least fifteen minutes to the beginning of the film, which chronicled the death of an elder farmer. The religious theme did add to the film and I thought the most interesting part was when Basil's father insists on a regular funeral but the towns people don't want one because they no longer trust priests. I just think it didn't need to drag on the way it did, in my opinion.

COUNTDOWN: Just 962 movies to go!

The Age of Gold-1930

France

Length: 60 minutes

Director: Luis Buñuel

Cast: Gaston Modot, Lya Lys, Caridad de Lacerdesque, Max Ernst, Lionel Salem, Germaine Noizet, Josep Llorens Artigas

www.imdb.com/title/tt0021577/

Eric's Impressions: I knew this was going to be a strange film going in considering the director (Luis Bunuel) and screenwriter (Salvador Dali). When the movie started with a documentary on scorpions, my instincts were right on. I've never been a big fan of the surrealist movement, so maybe that's why I was scratching my head throughout viewing. It's definitely shocking at times and at other times just plain silly.

Natalie's Impressions: Ummm. Yeah. I don't even know where to begin with this film. I understand the whole surrealist dream scape thing going on and I get what Buñuel was trying to achieve- and I think he did achieve the effect he was aiming for- if that effect was one of disorientation, confusion, shock, discomfort, unease and disgust mixed with an unwanted sexual arousal. I experienced all of these emotions and more will watching this film. It got to the point where I wasn't surprised at what I saw. The cow on the bed, which provokes only an annoyed reaction from the bed's owner, the murder of the little boy for a minor offense, and statements like " what joy at having killed our children" become normal in this surrealist world. By the time a man resembling Jesus walks out of a building having engaged in orgies, rape, and murder of women, I was nodding my head, thinking "of course that is Jesus. Why would it be anyone else?"

COUNTDOWN: Just 963 movies to go!

The Blue Angel-1930

Germany

Length: 99 minutes

Director: Josef von Sternberg

Cast: Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, Kurt Gerron, Rosa Valetti, Hans Albers, Rolf Muller, Roland Varno, Carl Balthaus, Charles Puffy, Gerhard Bienart, Wilhelm Diegelmann

www.imdb.com/title/tt0020697/

Eric's Impressions: This is a heartbreaking story centering around the life of Professor Immanuel Rath, played masterfully by Emil Jannings. Falling in love spins his life out of control. The object of his affections is Lola, played by screen legend Marlene Dietrich. As Jannings hooks up with Lola's traveling show, and in turn her, a creepy clown starts following him around without ever uttering a word. Think of the clown from Stephen King's "It" before he loses it. I was disturbed by his sad, pathetic presence not realizing that the director was foreshadowing the fate of the Professor with him. This is a sad movie without a happy ending like so many of the American films of this time period.

Natalie's Impressions: Emil Jannings is far and away the star of this film. Dietrich became famous in Hollywood with Sternberg after this film. This film put her on the map, but Jannings' performance is the most memorable for me. He channels the desperate love-lorn old man so well. He plunges himself into the role in a way that is so completely devastating. He plays with the viewers emotions throughout the course of the film. At the beginning he is not a likeable character. He becomes more likeable as he falls in love but at the same time the viewer feels sympathy for him as the inevitable downfall of his character looms ahead. By the end, he tries to regain some of his dignity by leaving the Blue Angel and returning to the college, thus taking charge of his own life again. But it is too late; he dies sitting at his old desk in the classroom in which he once taught. A true tour d'force by Jannings.

COUNTDOWN: Just 964 movies to go!

Pandora's Box- 1929

Germany

Length: 97 minutes

Director: Georg Wilhelm Pabst

Cast: Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner, Francis Lederer, Carl Goetz, Alice Roberts, Gustav Diessl

www.imdb.com/title/tt0018737/

Eric's Impressions: As you will gather from Natalie's review I did have a mini-crush on the lead actress Louise Brooks after watching this movie - that's what you get for leaving me behind in New York as you lived in China for the better part of the year. Hopefully Brooks doesn't ruin our relationship, but her character destroys all who cross her path and fight for her affection. Everyone falls for her playful sexuality, including an unheard of for its time lesbian admirer, and their lives are never for the better after meeting her. Thank god she met her match in the end and Natalie and I can live happily ever after.

Natalie's Impressions: I saw this film after Eric and I must admit that my opinion of the acting was somewhat affected by the fact that Eric told me immediately after watching the film that he wanted to go to bed with Louise Brooks, that she was the most seductive and beautiful piece of ass ever to hit the silent screen, etc. I was living on the other side of the world at this time so there wasn't much either of us could do with our sexual frustration so I just sat down and watched the film. And I admit, Brooks is quite stunning. Her character is wonderfully rich and she plays it up perfectly. After seeing the film, I was even more impressed with her acting when I read that no expressionist makeup or other tricks were used to dramatize her performance. It is honest and raw and very powerful.

COUNTDOWN: Just 965 movies to go!

The Man with the Movie Camera- 1929

U.S.S.R.

Length: 80 minutes

Director: Dziga Vertov

www.imdb.com/title/tt0019760/

Eric's Impressions: Just the title implies that this is a movie for people who love to get behind the camera and tell a story. Vertov uses almost every filmmaker trick throughout the picture. The movie makes you feel like you're watching unrehearsed footage as the camera catches everything in its path to drive home the central point - there is no limit to what one can do with the camera. Of course like all Soviet films of the time, there is plenty of propaganda underneath the surface, but if you're able to dismiss it for what it is, you're left with an interesting piece of visual art.

Natalie's Impressions: While the Soviet propaganda of this film is impossible to escape, it was still an interesting film to watch, simply because of the scope of the project. It is a film and cinematography study in its own right. Vertov shows the range of techniques a cinematographer has it his/her disposal through an exposition of such tricks like reverse zooms, slow motion, animation and split screens. Not bad for 1929 Soviet Russia. It is a treatise on documentary film making or what Vertov called "life caught unawares." The film chronicles a day in the life of a city. The editing is as brilliant as the filming itself. Through the editing, the viewer is presented with a non-linear narrative. Although the film only depicts one day, the camera captures all stages of life so that it feels like you are watching a lifetime squeezed into 80 minutes.

COUNTDOWN: Just 966 movies to go!

Blackmail- 1929

U.K. Length: 96 minutes
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: Anny Ondra, Sara Allgood, Charles Paton, John Longden, Donald Calthrop, Cyril Ritchard, Hannah Jones, Harvey Braban, Sergeant Bishop
www.imdb.com/title/tt0019702

Eric's Impressions: It's not a surprise that Alfred Hitchcock probably has more films on this list than any other director. His films are never boring with countless plot twists usually revolving around murder. This is no exception and though this is one of his earliest, it's right up there with many of his later films. I read that Hitchcock had shot the film as a silent picture, but then went back and re shot it with sound. He pulls no punches here and has no problem casting a female as the murderer even if it was in self-defense. Note that Hitchcock's weapon of choice is often the knife and I think he feels that it's impossible for the person wielding it to escape his/her own passion and emotion when they finally do use it

Natalie's Impressions: Anny Ondra's performance fits right in with the other blonde Hitchcock girls that came after her. Her story is also very indicative of future storyline that feature violence against women. Always the artistic filmmaker, Hitchcock never shows us those rape or murder scenes. They are alluded to or covered up or only heard and not seen. This film is a talkie and the rape scene is one in which that latter technique is used to great effect. The dead rapist's hand protruding from the bed sheets is sufficiently haunting for the female protagonist as well as for the viewer. The rapist is not the only character who pulls off a performance of a character you love to hate. The man thought to be the murderer is as slimy as they come with the oily smile and smooth talk. Lucky for Anny's character, her boyfriend the policeman is wittier and quicker than the blackmailing criminal!

COUNTDOWN: Just 967 movies to go!

Storm Over Asia- 1928

U.S.S.R.
Length: 93 minutes
Director: Vsevolod Pudovkin
Cast: Valery Inkijinoff, I. Dedintsev, Aleksandr Chistyakov, Viktor Tsoppi, Boris Barnet, Anel Sudakevich
www.imdb.com/title/tt0019286/

Eric's Impressions: I remember saying to Natalie when we watched this that it looked like a documentary in the form of something like "Nanook of the North," so much so that it felt like it was done by the same filmmaker. It wasn't a documentary, nor was it directed by the same person, but it was still visually perplexing at times. It was hard not to fall asleep as the story was action less throughout, but it did recover somewhat with a thrilling conclusion.

Natalie's Impressions: This film was like watching Nanook of the North in Asia. The film is not a pure documentary like Nanook of the North was but it did have elements of that genre. The aesthetic of this film was also very similar to the arctic documentary. If not for the communist propaganda overtones, it could be mistaken for that film. The Soviet Union certainly has a preachy presence in this film. The depiction of the "evil capitalists" is actually quite amusing because, although a silent film, the viewer has no doubt who these entrepreneurs are. We are given not so subtle hints through the music, the smarmy mannerisms of the actors, their demeanor, and their costumes, not to mention the basic storyline, which paints the Mongols as innocent and good.

COUNTDOWN: Just 967 movies to go!

Steamboat Bill, Jr.- 1928

U.S.

Length: 71 minutes

Director: Charles Reisner, Buster Keaton

Cast: Buster Keaton, Tom McGuire, Ernest Torrence, Tom Lewis, Marion Byron

www.imdb.com/title/tt0019421/

Eric's Impressions: Another enjoyable film from Keaton and sadly the last one in the book to review. It has all the usual Keaton film characteristics: intense stunts and action sequences, a forbidden love story and an unexpected hero. Like Chaplin, Keaton should not just be applauded for his acting and comedic talents, but for his ability to convey the message of the storyline through his directing skills.

Natalie's Impressions: This is the last Keaton film included in the book and one of the first of his that I saw. I honestly don't remember much of it now that I have seen his other films. Nothing stands out as being unique to this film that his other films didn't have. But that doesn't mean it is not a good film. I do remember being very entertained by it and impressed by some of the stunts, but then again, all Keaton films have this effect.

COUNTDOWN: Just 968 movies to go!

The Passion of Joan of Arc- 1928

France

Length: 110 minutes

Director: Carl Theodore Dreyer

Cast: Renee Falconetti, Eugene Silvain, Andre Berley, Maurice Schutz, Sntonin Artaud, Michel Simon, Luis Ravet, Leon Larive, Jaques Arnna, Armand Lurville, Alexandre Mihalesco, Jean d'Yd

www.imdb.com/title/tt0019254/

Eric's Impressions: Meryl Streep has nothing on Renee Falconetti. As the title character, Falconetti gives one of the silver screen's all-time most memorable performances. I was shocked to find out that the actress never made another film. Maybe she thought she could never top this performance or maybe she just wanted her career to symbolically go up in flames like Joan of Arc. I especially found interesting Dreyer's use of the camera in the scenes with the court deciding Joan's fate as he slowly panned to each member for reactions to what the heroine was telling them as she desperately fought for her life.

Natalie's Impressions: Although I am not sure I would jump to the conclusion that Falconetti's performance in this film is the greatest of any female actress of all time, as many have done, I do believe it is an extraordinary performance. I really liked how most of the dialogue that was included as subtitles in the film was one sided. It was mostly her words as they were recorded so many years ago. It was authentic, realistic and it didn't add a lot of superfluous other dialogue from the other characters to take away from Joan as the central character. It is a shame she never made another film because she sure had a talent to convey a wide range of emotions just using her eyes, which is not something many contemporary actors can accomplish.

COUNTDOWN: Just 969 movies to go!

An Andalusian Dog- 1928

France

Length: 16 minutes

Director: Luis Buñuel

Cast: Pierre Batcheff, Simone Marueil, Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí

www.imdb.com/title/tt0020530/

Eric's Impressions: Ever since hearing the Pixies song about this movie ("Debaser" off of Doolittle), I've wanted to see this one. The song is weird and the film is even weirder, but I like both. It's not a surprise the movie is strange considering Salvador Dali was involved. Of course the imagery of a razor slicing up an eyeball is probably the most memorable sequence in the entire movie. The film is just 16 minutes long which is more than enough time for the filmmaker to haunt, disturb and confuse you to the point where the only option is to watch it over again under the influence of marijuana, acid or any other mind-bending drugs on your person.

Natalie's Impressions: This is the first Buñuel film included in the book. This short film was Buñuel's directorial debut. He co-wrote the screenplay with Dalí, whose influence is very prevalent in this surrealist film that is famous for the image of a razor slicing open an eyeball. The dream-like montage of images that make up the film seem totally unrelated and disconnected, but like Dalí's paintings, they are supposed to represent the chaos of the dream world and the flow of the subconscious. It is interesting to see Dalí as an actor in the film. Such a prolific figure in the visual art world is rarely seen in other forms of art and media.

COUNTDOWN: Just 970 movies to go!

The Kid Brother- 1927

U.S.

Length: 84 minutes

Director: J.A. Howe, Ted Wilde

Cast: Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston, Walter James, Leo Willis, Olin Francis, Eddie Boland, Frank Lanning, Constantine Romanoff, Ralph Yearsley

www.imdb.com/title/tt0018051/

Eric's Impressions: If Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton had a baby it would be Harold Lloyd. Like those two, Lloyd was a comedic genius and able to build story lines around action sequences that would give any of today's stars a run for their money. We've seen the tale before where the youngest brother fights for the affection of his hard-to-please father and older brothers before saving the day and the family in the end. Lloyd is that guy and he falls in love as well. It's a very predictable movie, but it's worth checking out for the dangerous stunts.

Natalie's Impressions: I had never heard of Harold Lloyd until recently. A friend of mine is a big fan and actually prefers him to Keaton and Chaplin. He lent me a DVD of several of his films and when I noticed that this movie was included in the book, I watched it. It is the only Lloyd film included as opposed to the several Chaplin and Keaton films included. Unlike these two, Lloyd didn't direct or write the films he stared in. His physical comedy is good and the choreography is similar to Keaton's frequent chase sequences in his films. The story line of this film is also very similar to those of the Chaplin and Keaton films.

COUNTDOWN: Just 971 movies to go!

The Jazz Singer-1927

U.S.

Length: 88 minutes

Director: Alan Crosland

Cast: Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer, Otto Lederer, Bobby Gordon, Richard Tucker

www.imdb.com/title/tt0018037/

Eric's Impressions: I might be the only film buff to ever admit this, but I much prefer the 1980 Neil Diamond version. Okay, so the original revolutionized the history of cinema as being the first feature-length sound movie, but did it have Diamond singing "America," "Love on the Rocks," and "Hello Again?" Also, though I enjoy blatant racism and blackface as much as the next guy (hint: sarcasm), I found the original boring despite a decent performance by star Al Jolson. Give me Diamond as the disappointing son and Laurence Olivier as the disappointed father any day. Note: Diamond and Olivier won Worst Actor and Worst Supporting Actor at the Golden Raspberry Awards for their performances.

Natalie's Impressions: I had a few issues with this film that are not necessarily the film's fault but rather the fact that it was made when it was. The fact that it was the first talkie accounts for the odd moments of dialogue that puncture the mostly silent picture. It seems to be trying to be something it is not in other ways as well. Like many silent films that came before it, I felt like it was a little preachy at times. I did like the acting though. Al Jolson was pretty good but I really liked the Cantor and his wife. I wasn't so crazy about the musical numbers- but then again I am not generally a fan of musicals. The movie is included in the book for an obvious reason- it even won an Oscar for being a talking picture. But I am not sure that the film has anything else really separating it from other films that makes it special.

COUNTDOWN: Just 972 movies to go!

October-1927

U.S.S.R.

Length: 95 minutes

Director: Grigori Aleksandrov, Sergei M. Eisenstein

Cast: Vladimir Popov, Vasili Nikandrov, Layaschenko Chibisov, Boris Livanov, Mikholyev, Smelsky, Eduard Tisse

www.imdb.com/title/tt0018217

Eric's Impressions: It would be foolish to pass this off as just another Eisenstein propaganda - which it is - because it's much more. The revolutionary filmmaker attempts to recreate the Bolshevik victory 10 years after the fact and he does such a good job of pulling it off that you swear at times he's using actual documentary footage. This movie has all the usual Eisenstein film tricks - quick scene cuts, haunting imagery and dark subject matter. It's a heart-pounding ride that you won't soon forget and it's disappointing to learn that it's the last of his films we'll review in this book.

Natalie's Impressions: The last of the Eisenstein movies included in this book is typical soviet propaganda fare like his other films but it is also equally striking in its imagery. This film is my least favorite of his that I have seen because it is not as cohesive. It feels as though he is trying so hard to outdo himself, spending tons of money, trying to recreate events just exactly how they happened at the expense of a good solid plot with character development. I didn't get really drawn into the story because it was hard to follow but as usual, there were some very memorable scenes that bear the Eisenstein signature.

COUNTDOWN: Just 973 movies to go!

The Unknown-1927

U.S.

Length: 65 minutes

Director: Tod Browning

Cast: Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford, Nick de Ruiz, John George, Frank Lanning, Polly Moran

www.imdb.com/title/tt0018528/

Eric's Impressions: For contemporary film goers, director Tod Browning was the Tim Burton of his time (same initials). They both love to show us the trials and tribulations of humans regarded as curiosities or monstrosities - in other words - freaks. Browning even made a film with the title "Freaks" and Burton is never afraid to make movies centered around them ("Edward Scissorhands"). Team up Browning with Lon Chaney and you've got cinematic gold. Chaney's "disabled" character eats and drinks with his feet, loves with his big heart and steals the entire movie both literally and figuratively. The twisted ending promises to disturb you, but you'll still want to watch this masterpiece again and again.

Natalie's Impressions: It was kind of weird seeing Joan Crawford in this early role. She is hardly recognizable at such a young age. But Lon Chaney steals the show. The physical ordeal he must have gone through having his arms bound is almost as impressive as the dexterity of his feet. The way he uses his feet looks so natural that sometimes I thought his feet were his hands. The way he moves, holds a cigarette, eats, throws knives is a skill I have yet to see in any other actor, including Daniel Day Lewis. I have not yet seen Browning's other films so I didn't really know what to expect. I had heard all sorts of weird things about Freaks and so I got squeamish during the scene where one of the characters has each arm attached to ropes being pulled by horses in opposite directions. In an ironic twist, this character isn't the unfortunate one, but rather the protagonist who gets trampled by the horse.

COUNTDOWN: Just 974 movies to go!

The General-1927

U.S.A.

Length: 75 minutes

Director: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman

Cast: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Charles Smith, Richard Allen, Glen Cavender, Jim Farley, Tom Nawn, Frederick Vroom, Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin

www.imdb.com/title/tt0017925/

Eric's Impressions: Another Keaton classic. Watching him on screen never gets old. Considered by many his greatest work, "The General" truly is one of the funniest films of all-time. With the Civil War as the setting for the story, Keaton's hero shows us the humility of man while making us laugh at our own foibles. The reviewer in the book argues that this is the best Civil War movie ever made, but I'll need a little more time to digest that thought with my personal favorite still being "Glory."

Natalie's Impressions: This was the first Keaton film I ever saw. This was about three years ago. Now that I am more familiar with his work, I think it is still my favorite and most impressive in terms of physical comedy, although the waterfall scene in Our Hospitality is truly amazing. I can see why this was his most well known picture. The plot is strong, the character development is complex, the comedy is non-stop and even the historical references are precise.

COUNTDOWN: Just 975 movies to go!

Metropolis-1927

Germany

Length: 120 minutes

Director: Fritz Lang

Cast: Alfred Abel, Gustav Frohlich, Brigitte Helm, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Fritz Rasp, Theodor Loos, Heinrich George

www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/

Eric's Impressions: The first science fiction epic was definitely ahead of its time and continues to influence the genre to this day. The sets are elaborate and it's always interesting to see how people predict what the world will look like in the future. I've also been noticing a growing pattern in early cinema of casting an overly-dramatic actor in the male lead. I'm not sure if this occurs because of the direction of the director or because talent-less pretty boys are cast in the lead - that never happens today. The lead female actress (Helm) makes up for it with her dual roles as the saint/robot along with the fascinating mad scientist Rotwang (Klein-Rogge).

Natalie's Impressions: One the one hand, I feel overwhelmed by how much there is to say about this film. On the hand, it has all been said before precisely because this is such an influential film from a legendary director. There are many contradictions surrounding the film, but the strongest and most lasting impression I have of this film is the apparent dedication, passion and vision of Lang when he made the film. It is evident in every second of the film. Every scene is so carefully constructed and thought out, not to mention visually breathtaking. Although I do agree with Lang on one level that the film was "simplistic and naive," (a comment he made years after the film was made), I think he should almost be forgiven even if it was a little bit, simply because it was one of his earliest films and it seemed to be a true portrait of who Lang was at the time. It feels very authentic to me, even though the biblical allusions were annoying and could have been easily omitted without seriously compromising the film's message.

COUNTDOWN: Just 977 movies to go!

The Gold Rush-1925

U.S.A.

Length: 72 minutes

Director: Charles Chaplin

Cast: Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman, Malcolm Waite, Georgia Hale

www.imdb.com/title/tt0015864/

Eric's Impressions: Another masterpiece by the greatest film director/producer/writer/actor of the first half of the 20th century and early film pioneer, Chaplin delivers cinematic gold here, no pun intended. Though I prefer "City Lights," I can understand why Chaplin most wanted to be remembered for this one because it's a history lesson, love story, statement on mankind and belly-aching comedy all rolled up into one. It features some of Chaplin's greatest sequences and shows that a decade into his American film career, he was really hitting his stride across the board in all of his artistic pursuits.

Natalie's Impressions: Only Chaplin can make high comedy out of starvation and greed. Whether or not this is a right and noble ability, I am not going to say, but apparently Chaplin thought it was because he declared this film was the one by which he most wished to be remembered. But I do believe it takes a certain amount of talent, confidence and dedication to even be comically inspired by something as devastating as the Donner Party disaster. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this film, besides the famous boot cooking and dancing bread rolls, is the sheer elaborateness of the sets and camera work. The studio recreation of the Sierra Nevadas looks as real as the actual mountains, both of which are featured in the film. Although not my absolute favorite Chaplin picture, I would happily watch it over and over again.

COUNTDOWN: Just 978 movies to go!

The Battleship Potemkin-1925

U.S.S.R

Length: 75 minutes

Director: Sergei M. Eisenstein, Grigori Aleksandrov

Cast: Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barsky, Grigori Aleksandrov, Mikhail Gomorov, Ivan Bobrov, Beatrice Vitoldi, N. Poltavseva, Julia Eisenstein

www.imdb.com/title/tt0015648/

Eric's Impressions: One of the most talked-about films ever made, this one will make you think as it equally confuses at the same time. Like most of Eisenstein's films, there's a lot of propaganda disguised as a storyline with frantic cuts and edits. The imagery can be haunting at times, especially the sequence with the baby carriage on the steps. It was so controversial at the time it came out that it was banned around the world. Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Gobbels famously said, "a marvellous film without equal in the cinema ... anyone who had no firm political conviction could become a Bolshevik after seeing the film." You will never forget this movie experience.

Natalie's Impressions: If one were to cut up this film into individual freeze-frames and assemble them in a random order, it would be one of the most disturbing, confusing and memorable photographic displays. But watching the film from beginning to end is even more memorable and disturbing because an emotional story is built behind those images that the viewer comes to understand (maybe not understand, but comprehend why they are there). The techniques and the unique aesthetic that Eisenstein brings to the screen in all of his films, as well as the ideological storm this film created makes it one of the most important and influential films not just in Western culture, but globally.

COUNTDOWN: Just 979 movies to go!

The Phantom of the Opera-1925

U.S.A.

Length: 93 minutes

Director: Rupert Julian, Lon Chaney

Cast: Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry, Arthur Edmund Carewe, Gibson Gowland, John St. Polis, Snitz Edwards

www.imdb.com/title/tt0016220

Eric's Impressions: The uglier the character, the better Lon Chaney captures his essence. Chaney, known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces," never turned down a role because a character was too dark or too scary for the screen. He is brilliant as the evil Phantom, while the rest of the film's cast is below average. This is a story that has been retold over and over again, but no version is quite as creepy as this one. Though it might have a lot to do with it being silent, much credit should be given to Chaney.

Natalie's Impressions: As far as 1920s silent films go, this one is of average length, however, I found myself wishing it was much shorter while watching it. The pace, plot and overall structure of the film is weak and very slow. Sure, Lon Chaney gives a haunting great performance but it just didn't really do much for me. I am not a major fan of the story and I didn't feel like this film had anything that all the versions that came after it didn't have. Plus, I I think that if this was the first Phantom movie I had ever seen, I would have a slightly more favorable opinion. But because it was the first silent film to capture the melodramatic story, I see why it was included.

COUNTDOWN: Just 980 movies to go!

Seven Chances- 1925

U.S.A.

Length: 56 minutes

Director: Buster Keaton

Cast: Buster Keaton, T. Roy Barnes, Snitz Edwards, Ruth Dwyer, Frances Raymond, Erwin Connelly, Jules Cowles

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0016332/

Eric's Impressions: Much like his contemporary Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton is best remembered for his comedic antics on screen. Especially in action sequences, the genius of each is on full display. Another common trait in many of their films that is sometimes missed is that these comedies actually have feelings. This movie fits that mold with crazy and unnerving gags intermixed with a beautiful love story. You might not laugh as loudly as you do watching his other movies, but your appreciation of all that Keaton brings to the screen will grow even deeper.

Natalie's Impressions: This is the only Keaton film I have seen where I did not laugh from beginning to end. In fact, the first half of the film was not really funny at all. I don't even know if it was supposed to be funny. The premise of the film is certainly amusing but the plot didn't really thicken and climax until the end, which had more scenes with Keaton doing crazy physical stunts, like all his other films. The boulder-dodging scene is very memorable although I have to think they either sped up the camera to make it seem like he was really running that fast and that they didn't use real boulders made of rock. Either way, it was still a scene that required great skill.

COUNTDOWN: Just 981 movies to go!

The Last Laugh- 1924

Germany

Length: 77 minutes

Director: F.W. Murnau

Cast: Emil Jannings, Maly Delschaft, Max Hiller, Emilie Kurz, Georg John, Emmy Wyda, Olaf Storm, Herman Vallentin

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0015064/

Eric's Impressions: Despite the feel-good ending that doesn't fit with the rest of the film, this is still a winner. Emil Jannings as the old doorman that gets demoted is brilliant. He makes the director's decision to not have subtitles work because his physical acting is first-rate with each body movement helping to tell the story. Murnau takes some chances, especially with the camera's first-person perspective of drunkenness. The ending would've worked much better if it had just been a dream, but it does succeed in making you feel happy for what happens to the story's hero.

Natalie's Impressions: The cinematography and the acting make this film a classic. Murnau's take on an interesting story line is well crafted- although the ending is improbable and doesn't fit with the rest of the film. I prefer the ending because it is a feel-good, happy ending while much of the rest of the film is very, very depressing. Some of my favorite scenes exemplified both the great acting of Jannings and the cinematography. The first scene of the movie filmed in the rain and the scene in the hotel bathroom where Jannings' character gives a cigar to the attendant are, in my opinion, the most memorable.

COUNTDOWN: Just 982 movies to go!

Stachka-1924

U.S.S.R.

Length: 82 minutes

Director: Sergei M. Eisenstein

Cast: Grigori Aleksandrov, Aleksandr Antonov, Yudif Glizer, Mikhail Gomorov, I. Ivanov, Ivan Klyukvin, Anatoli Kuznetsov, M. Mamin, Maksim Shtraukh, Vladimir Uralsky, Vera Yanukova, Boris Yurtsev

www.imdb.com/title/0015361/

Eric's Impressions: This is film on speed and if you blink even once you might miss something. Director Sergei M. Eisenstein has plenty of entries in the book and though I probably won't end up ranking any of them very high on my all-time favorite movie list it's hard not to admire such a visionary filmmaker. Part dramas, part political propaganda statements, his films make you think and they're never dull. If you've got a weak stomach, be prepared because P.E.T.A sure would've been protesting this movie when it hit theaters 85 years ago.

Natalie's Impressions: This is the first Eisenstein film in the book, followed by The Battleship Potemkin, made in 1925 and October, made in 1927. It was the first of his films I saw and although it didn't leave the same impression as Battleship, the montages in this film are as memorable, especially the one at the end with juxtaposition of animal slaughter with human slaughter, which is something Eisenstein does again to great effect in October. It is as if seeing the slaughter of animals is the only way to get the necessary reaction to human slaughter. The effect is very disturbing because the animal slaughter is almost more frightening and shocking than the human slaughter.

COUNTDOWN: Just 983 movies to go!

The Thief of Bagdad-1924

U.S.

Length: 155 minutes

Director: Raoul Walsh

Cast: Douglas Fairbanks, Snitz Edwards, Charles Belcher, Julanne Johnson, Sojin, Anna May Wong, Brandon Hurst, Noble Johnson, Tote Du Crow

www.imdb.com/title/0015400/

Eric's Impressions: I'm not sure star Douglas Fairbanks meant to have his character come across so silly on the screen, but if he did, bravo. Fairbanks played the part as if he was a ballerina trapped in a theater production that just so happen to have some cameras rolling to produce the most expensive film of its time. Though most of the sets were amazing, some just looked ridiculous, but I shouldn't pile on the filmmakers as it was made in 1924. The first half was much more enjoyable because it wasn't so serious, but a love story overtook the fun as the action progressed.

Natalie's Impressions: This is the first Fairbanks movie I have ever seen. Because of this movie, I will forever associate Fairbanks with a monkey. Or maybe an orangutan. Not only does he move like an ape, he has these very silly and mischievous facial expressions. His movements are very large, almost as if he was a theater actor on a stage, trying to reach out to an audience in the last row. The little pumping hand gesture he does repeatedly is equally memorable- I won't say any more about that. You will just have to see the movie to fully appreciate it. The film as a whole starts out really strong and has a lighthearted feel to it and then it gets very serious and not as entertaining, although the sets used throughout the movie are enough to make your jaw drop considering it was made in 1924. The set designer, William Cameron Menzies, created the largest movie set in Hollywood history with his six-and-a-half-acre Bagdad set.

COUNTDOWN: Just 984 movies to go!