Kean ou Désordre et génie

Outstanding is the only word to describe this new Flicker Alley production of Kean. This was the first Ivan \Mosjoukine (or Mozzhukhin, take your pick) film I have seen and his performance was, as they say in Texas, dead-solid-perfect. The supporting cast was also superb, especially Nicolas Koline as Kean's prompter, valet and only trusted friend. The storyline is a little Don Juan and a little Beau Brummel and its hard not to envision John Barrymore in this role as well. The bits of Romeo and Juliette and Hamlet with the French inter-titles are great fun and the staging of those two plays within the film are marvelously costumed in the proper Elizabethan fashion. Mosjoukine handles both roles well. Additionally, the set design and costuming truly evoked the Regency era in Britain. All in all this is one fine silent film. Whether you're a seasoned silent fan or new to the genre this one is well worth a look. Finally, what struck me most about this presentation was the incredible job of restoration and the Robert Israel score. The two blend together so well, one is tempted to conclude that this sharp, crisp print coupled with this music is probably better than the film's original release. Kudos to Flicker Alley, la Cinémathèque française, and all others who had a hand in reviving this wonderful motion picture!