Four silent films worth talking about

by skip Bravo

The catalogue of films from the silent era is a rich one, an extensive one and also a precarious one to navigate. The connotations associated with the pre-talkie period are often negative, but rest assured that “there’s gold in them there hills.” Present day homages to the period can be found in Dr. Plonk (2007) and Talk to Her (2002), the former being a traditional silent film while the latter contains a sequence that channels the style of the era. For a bit of Canadian content see Guy Maddin’s short film The Heart of the World (2000). You could be forgiven for thinking that it is a long lost film from the period, as Maddin replicates with impressive detail both the technique and style of such masters as Eisenstein and Lang. At 6 minutes in length it delivers powerful images complemented by a driving soundtrack and rapid editing.

Navigating a minefield of moldy oldies, to coin a phrase, can be an onerous task for the contemporary filmgoer. The thought of investing potentially considerable time searching for and viewing films from the period surrounding the birth of the seventh art is enough to make one think “why bother?” or “I’ll get to that some day”. The rewards might be scant for one searching blindly, but fear not, the leg work has been done for you. As avid readers of this publication have come to expect, read on and you’re sure to find something unexpected and illuminating.

THE KID (1920) 15min.

No survey of the silent era would be complete without at least one film from the iconic Charlie Chaplin. While most of his body of work can be considered classic, including such titles as Modern Times (1936), The Gold Rush (1925), The Tramp (1915) and The Knockout (1914), The Kid easily captures the attention of today’s audience. Here Chaplin does it all, blending physical comedy with his inimitable talent to make us both laugh and cry.
Chaplin, in his timeless role as the lovable tramp, discovers an abandoned baby left by his mother before planning to take her own life. With no money, but a heart of gold, the tramp cares for the child and raises him. Years later the mother suddenly appears in search of her lost child, now with the financial means to care for him. Hilarity ensues as the tramp and child dodge police in order to remain together. The kid, played by Jackie Coogan, is a scene stealer, and that's saying something working alongside the master himself.

NOSFERATU (1922) 94 min.

Directed by F. W. Murnau this is one of the first significant vampire films. Max Schreck, in his portrayal of the vampire, reminds us that not all vampires are suave and elegant. His performance of a diseased and grotesque figure offers little in the way of romance, proving to be a character to be feared outright. Murnau weaves an eerie tale notable for its stark lighting and long takes. It continues to influence narrative film as well as music videos to this day. A pillar of the horror genre, this film should not be missed. And in case you're wondering Max Schreck's character is bald and has a difficult beauty. Sound familiar?

METROPOLIS (1927) 147 min.

Fritz Lang’s epic film is a portent of how the industrial revolution could have serious consequences as defined roles lead to isolation and a disconnect among people. Specialized knowledge divides this futuristic city into thinkers and workers who's labour is intertwined, but whose paths never cross. Not until one thinker ventures down into the factory of the workers does he learn of their working conditions and daily struggles. With allusions to the Greek myths including Odysseus and Hades this is look at the future still holds up. With massive sets along with beautiful decor, this film is a feast for the eyes. Another influential film, notice how C3P0 from the Star Wars series, bares a resemblance to Maria, the robot.

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920) 71 min.

A primer on set design, Caligari stands alongside Metropolis as an example of how design can best serve a film. Angular and at times disproportionate, the buildings in Caligari are as unsettling as its story and characters.

Cesare is a somnambulant at a freak show. He has the ability to see the future and when one man asks him to tell him his, the news is devastating; he will be dead by morning. Cesare's handler, Dr. Caligari, is a man of dubious character. It soon becomes confusing as to whether he is the director of the near-by asylum or a resident. When the body of the man is found murdered, the hunt for Cesare and Caligari is on. Think Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas) while watching this film.