Episode 130 - Silent Horror Films

[kingstownted]

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Dim the lights, cue the title card and strike up the orchestra...lets talk about silent film.

This week we discuss the birth of cinema and the subsequent development of a new medium of entertainment from the first (still existing) two second film from 1888 through to 1927 and the end of the silent era. We try to strike a balance between offering a rough primer on this early time period reviewing the technological challenges and evolutionary steps achieved by some true pioneers, as well as calling up a fair list of the titles recommended to begin exploring the surviving catalogue.

The famous works are addressed as well as some lesser known gems including Der Golem (1920), Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923), Nosferatu (1922), Phantom of the Opera (1925), Metropolis (1927), London After Midnight (1927), Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde (1920), The Unknown (1927)...and a dozen more.

We spend time on and explain what the term 'German Expressionism' actually means, recognize the enormous contributions of George Melies and Lon Chaney, explain why projection speed was dictated by the fire hazard of nitrocellulose film and much more.

Thoughts on a couple random movies round things out (Eyes Wide Shut - Anthony, and Defendor - Ted). Thanks to Brian Kaufman, Travis & Ernie for their various contributions and to misterD for a great audio review of Spiral (2007).

We always welcome your comments: [e-mail]

[maarow]

Sweet! I'm really looking forward to giving this episode a spin. Silent horror is one of my all-time favorite subjects.

[bloodblack]

Pettiest reason for being driven to switching off a podcast in frustration and irritation: repeated infuriating and annoying pronunciation of 'Notre Dame' !!!

But once I breathed into a paper bag and calmed down and listened to the rest - thank you.

[Peekysdad]

Awesome! I really can't wait to listen to this. It's been a little while since an episode's hit me in the sweet spot.

[kingstownted]

What an odd thing to get worked up about.
And after my repeated disclaimers and apologies for butchering the language...

[hayden88]

Great episode!

I love the Phantom with Lon Chaney and Nosferatu still has the power to creep me out! I want to try and hunt down Metropolis on Dvd, only ever seen snippets of it, didn't realize it was such a long film. I've seen the Charles Loughton version of Hunchback, would like to see how the earlier silent version compares. Tony and Ted, thanks for the research and recommendations!

[mundays]

Very Very Very good.

[lordbloodrah]

Ah...Lon Chaney! The Master!
The Unknown is a gem of a movie and an amazing performance from the Man. When his sanity breaks you feel it inside like an earthquake...it is an astounding scene.
BTW, the leading lady was a very young Joan Crawford...before her coat hanger wielding days.

[jpollard]

There's a really good review of Metropolis, the new version with the Argentine footage added back in: www.davidbordwell.net/blog/?p=7652

[randombullseye]

Did you guys ever see that anime of Metropolis?

[brianincolorado]

We have a tiny art-house theater in town called the Cinema Lyric Cafe that caters to the college crowd. (They serve beer, so they're also catering to the Old Guy crowd.) The first time I went there, they were showing "Let the Right One In," a film I'd just heard about on Horroetc. I loved the movie. The management is not afraid to embrace the horror genre, which is unusual. For example, earlier this year they had "Dead Snow" for a week. Take it where you can get it.

This weekend, they showed the silent classics "Nosferatu" and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari." Both movies were accompanied by live artists performing music (Ruth Anderson and Adam Bodine respectively). The showing was a part of the "Fort Collins Music Experiment," an annual celebration of the local music scene.

I think the event was a sign. First of all, there's a psychic (or psychotic) connection between the Cinema Lyric Cafe and Horroretc. You guys recommend, the movie house responds. Second, I was blessed to see these great films, played to amazing live music. Adam Bodine's piano jazz work was particularly appropriate to Caligari's imagery. This setting allowed me to experience the simple power of these early films in a way that no DVD could. Gives me chills to think about it.

Once again, Ted and Tony - great recommendations.

[roostergore]

Thought you guys would liike this news as much as I did. Will try to catch it in a theatre near me. www.collider.com/2010/04/27/fritz-langs-metropolis-re-release-trailer/