This is a brilliantly composed film, with the director (King Vidor) pulling out all stops to create wonderful images of the problems with modern life (at least, modern for 1928). While the actors do just fine, the real star is definitely the director! While he COULD have just shown crappy stock footage of the streets of New York filled with people, the montages he developed were hauntingly rhythmic and as highly reminiscent of METROPOLIS. He also makes the film in a semi-documentary form that follows one particular hard-luck family in the city.
The film COULD be seen as an attack on Capitalism or America, and while this might seem this way through much of the film, the movie's underlying sense of optimism despite the pressures of modern life make it a transcendent and non-preachy film.
Highly unusual, highly creative and full of wonderful innovation, this film is one of the best full-length silent dramas I have seen--and I've seen quite a few. A true work of art.
Interestingly, although the film has what I would consider a perfect ending, according to director Vidor, the studio had him shoot SEVEN different endings, as they were just not sure how to wrap up this powerful film!
The film COULD be seen as an attack on Capitalism or America, and while this might seem this way through much of the film, the movie's underlying sense of optimism despite the pressures of modern life make it a transcendent and non-preachy film.
Highly unusual, highly creative and full of wonderful innovation, this film is one of the best full-length silent dramas I have seen--and I've seen quite a few. A true work of art.
Interestingly, although the film has what I would consider a perfect ending, according to director Vidor, the studio had him shoot SEVEN different endings, as they were just not sure how to wrap up this powerful film!