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The late 1800's - early 1900's saw author Emile Zola turn the masses toward the intrigue of telling stories about the real and everyday lives of the common, and at those times, vial side of life. His slap at the over-acted and over-fantasized tales inspired both painter and film maker. Not surprising that director Antoine made this post WWI adaptation (one of two Zola film projects he brought to film) as he might be considered, through these vehicles, as the man who brought realism to the screen. Many constituents were opposed to this style.

Notice the barren and flat landscapes of France that rival even Kansas and Nebraska. Could there be a connection between the desolation and the characters' desperation and neediness? Check out the "ovalness" of the female characters and their over-layered manner of dress. As in many European silent films, facial expression and body language, at a premium.

The restoration version of this film has a concert-worthy, and an enchanting score with the balance of instruments such as the bass clarinet, violin, flute and percussion....beautifully recorded and synced tightly. Tres Bon!

Valliant effort to use a mining catastrophe as a vehicle to pronounce this director's distaste for war. The audience not only learns a great deal about early mining rescue procedures but, we learn that Europeans at the interval between WWI and WWII, had concerning pacifists(for lack of a better term). The speeches given by both representatives of each country at the end of the film, are inspiring given the time. Although the revised edition, through the transfer technology of early foreign films, "cuts-off characters heads" at times, this film holds it's own in many different aspects. Character analysis, lighting techniques, historical content and a scenario that has tested and inspired many a writer and filmmaker.

Pabst went on to Direct and put to screen Weil & Brecht's "Three Penny Opera", starring the original star, Lotte Lenya.

Extremely interesting. Captivating through the commentaries from such stalwarts as Spielberg and The Duke. Spielberg's studies of Ford's symbolic portrayals of traditional ceremonies and John Wayne, as eloquent as one might not expect, are worth the viewing. Truly, Wayne expresses a sincere admiration and fondness for the artist that Ford was. A moving piece delivered by Maureen O'Hara. Very interesting that her comments were read from a written speech, but after she finished reading the speech, she broke down in tears. Hank Fonda and Jimmy Stewart's recollections of Ford's gift for creating character was a brilliant entry by Bogdanovich. John Ford's career spanned 140 films, including the silent era. Thanks to this documentary, we realize what a divine national treasure American film had.