Yasujiro Ozu remade this 1934 silent in 1959 (see above), but I’m writing this up before watching the remake. Taken from THE BARKER, a 1928 part-talkie by George Fritzmaurice (which no doubt played in Japan as a silent), it survives in pristine condition which befits Ozu’s pristine technique. It’s an all but flawless work though more traditionally melodramatic than we expect. A theatrical company land in a town where the leader supports his illegitimate child. His current mistress becomes jealous as his attention wanders & she bribes the troupe’s ingenue to seduce the son. But tru-love rears and all the buried lies & lives float to the surface. When the dust clears, a new beginning for all is coming into view. If there’s a misjudged shot or bit of overacting in the swift moving 90 minutes, let me know. Much of Ozu’s special technique is on display (little still-lifes between scenes, low-camera angles), and the film is an unmissable gem.
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You can check on all our titles by typing the Title, Director, Actor or 'Keyword' you're looking for in the Search Engine of your choice (include the phrase MAKSQUIBS) or just use the BLOGSPOT.com Search Box at the top left corner of the page.
Feel free to place comments directly on any of the film posts and to test your film knowledge with the CONTESTS scattered here & there. (Hey! No Googling allowed. They're pretty easy.)
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Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, June 2, 2008
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