I like silent films.
They are kind of like those beautifully illustrated picture books without words.
There is a story there, but you have to look at all the details to see it.
I came across one the other day that was beautiful and unique in many ways:
I was so impressed with this movie. It is beautifully restored (though some scenes and all dialogue tags are missing) with very fitting piano music created to accompany it. The lighting, the costumes and the cinematography are to be admired as much as any movie today (or more so).
It's a family melodrama about a young, Westernized Chinese girl who marries a more traditional man, and doesn't respect the household gods, and the in-laws, as much as she should.
Unfortunately, it was never released, and it was thought lost for decades, until the reels were discovered in 2004, in the possession of the daughters of Violet Wong, the lead actress in the film.
What is most astonishing about this movie is that:
1. It was written, produced, and directed by a woman, Marion Wong (click here for a great article on her)
2. That woman was a Chinese-American, as were all the actors, and crew
3. It presented the Chinese culture to Americans, and showed images of Chinese people in ways they weren't normally portrayed which, back then, was as exotic villains and opium users
Most people don't watch silent movies. But you should really give them a try. Right now you can watch The Curse and a handful of others on Netflix in the Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers series. Click on the box below for a guide that will teach you how to enjoy silent films*:
Cool! You say it wasn't released. Were any other films released by this filmmaker?
ReplyDeleteIt appears not, unfortunately. The Curse was screened a couple times, but that's it, as far as her filmmaking.
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