Length: 273 minutes
Director: Abel Gance
Cast: Severin-Mars, Ivy Close, Gabriel de Gravone, Pierre Magnier, Gil Clary, Max Maxudian, Georges Terof
Eric's Impressions: This movie was just a bit too long and boring throughout, but still a visual treat with some amazing acting performances. It was hard to get past the disturbing Oedipus Rex storyline with father and son battling for the love of the adopted female lead. The few ups and many downs in the life of the railman (played masterfully by Severin-Mars) carry the storyline and you can't help but feel sorry for how pathetic his plight is. We must admit that we didn't watch this all in one setting and we suggest you don't either.
Natalie's Impressions: Even though I thought this film was an hour too long (the last hour and a half could have been condensed into 15 minutes) it was still an incredible film. If there had been acting awards in 1923 Severin-Mars would have won them all. As annoying as his character became near the end of the film, it is impossible to ignore his talent. Apart from a unique story line and the rather scandalous treatment even by today's standards, of the relationship between Elie, Norma and Sisif, I thought Gance pushed the wheel metaphor in the viewer's face too much. I also thought Gance was trying to show off his intellect with the Greek mythological references, superimposed images and excessive quick cuts between scenes but fortunately none of this took away from the great acting.
COUNTDOWN: Just 985 movies to go!
No comments:
Post a Comment