20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
In the National Film Registry
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1h 25m
Sea monster hunt leads to wonders aboard Nemo's Nautilus, ending with revenge & island rescue.
A pioneering spirit in early cinema, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916) broke new ground with its cinematic techniques.
The film experimented with large-scale sets and special effects, creating a believable underwater world for the audience. In fact, it was the first motion picture filmed underwater.
Theatrical lighting techniques were used to enhance the drama and atmosphere of the scenes, while double exposure and superimposition achieved dreamlike sequences.
These innovations, combined with its fantastical story, solidified 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea as a landmark of experimental filmmaking and a testament to the power of cinematic imagination.
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