L'Arlésienne

The look and shape of cinema took a huge leap forward when France's Pathe Studio released "L'Arlesienne" in October 1908. Under the "film d'art" model, which was introduced by the French earlier in the spring of 1908, "L'Arlesienne" was the first movie to encourage using literary and dramatic works with professional actors and realistic settings--especially interior backdrops.

Based on the 1872 play "The Girl From Aries," the true story of a jilted lover who jumps to his death, director Albert Capellani movie uses 43 shots in 27 different venues, an unusually high number for an 18-minute one-reeler during that time. The manner in which Capellani framed his shots was unique in its composition; his 180-degree panorama shot taken on top of a roof showcasing the city of Aries is still discussed today. The double exposures reflecting the protagonist's imagination was a newly incorporated effect in film.

"L'Arlesienne" was a rousing success for French viewers. The following year the movie was introduced to American audiences, which equally shared its enthusiasm. "L'Arlesienne" would influence present and future directors with its pioneering cinematic aesthetics. Thankfully, this film considered lost for decades, was discovered in the early 2000's and restored soon afterwards.