Erotikon (1929, directed by Gustav Machaty, photographed by Vaclav Vich, art direction by Alexander Hackenschmied) was the film I was most anticipating this year and it truly was fantastic. I especially liked the Soviet-style framing of the actors. I was happily surprised by the sympathetic treatment of the lead character and her situation. Unfortunately, I felt this was undermined by the musical score, composed and provided by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. The music accompanying the seduction scene was rather too sweet, more suited for a mother-daughter reunion than for the sensual interplay happening on-screen. There were virtually no dynamics throughout the score. In fact the music made the languid pace actually feel boring. I know I would enjoy the film much more with a different soundtrack. I hope to be given that opportunity sometime.
So's Your Old Man (1926, directed by Gregory La Cava) lifted the mood this afternoon. If not for the beautiful intertitles during Wild Rose, the intricate John Held Jr illustrated cards would surely win the prize. Although W C Fields was just as funny without using that voice, my heart was captured by the scene-stealing caddy in the overly-long golf scene. He is uncredited unfortunately; does anyone know who that was?
The Fall of the House of Usher (1928, directed by Jean Epstein) was also a visual pleasure. Again, I have to credit Stephen Horne for a brilliant and harmonious accompanying score, utilizing both piano and synthesizer for special sound effects. The stunning visuals were a treat, especially the long veil that reminded me of Vera Chytilova's Automat Svet.
But the long days of sequestering myself in the lovely old theater surrounded by thousands of fellow silent film fans finally extracted it's price - I left the remaining film for the rest to see, perhaps for my own viewing another time.
4 comments:
Are you sure about Alexander Hackenschmied? (it's strange that I never heard about him) Maybe it's made by Gustav Machatý,the Czech guy who made "Ecstasy" and showed one thing or two from lady Lamar's possessions? or Mauritz Stiller version from 1920?
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I have the same problem with "Mont Alto" scores. As a matter of fact I wrote a piece about their work in "Thief of Baghdad" and criticized their sketchy treatment of Walsh's masterpiece. I don't know if you have heard about Ekkehard Wolk, the silent film composer and pianist, or not, but check his two officially released films on Kino (Pabst's "secrets of a soul" and "Finances of Grande Duke" by Murnau). He is really a swinging cat!
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You mentioned LaCava's name. I've been assigned to write something about him (I've always loved his comedies, especially Godfrey)and unfortunately I haven't seen "So's Your Old Man". Are his silent films as good and mature as his 1930s efforts?
Ehsan,
Thank you for pointing out my error. I corrected it. It just goes to show how exhausted I was when I was researching this post.
I'm glad that I'm not just a complaining so-and-so about Mont Alto Orchestra. I'm really excited to watch those two films you suggested. I love when silent films are treated with equally talented composers, especially by swinging cats.
I don't think I've seen any other silents from La Cava, but check out his listing at iMDB! It's possible I've come across some of the animated shorts(?). It took me a while to realize that he directed some of my favorite films. Love "Godfrey" and "Stage Door."
Would you write a comment when you publish your La Cava article? I'd like to read it.
La Cava's will be a small 1000-word piece, but when it penned you'll be first to know. By the way I've got a special jazz collection for you, here: http://www.4shared.com/file/149688220/c063c9a5/Ehsan_khoshbakhts_Trinkle_Tink.html
Wonderful! I look forward to reading - and listening.
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