Humouresque (1920)
In the National Film Registry
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1h 11m
Young violinist escapes poverty through music but war shatters his dreams.
Humouresque, a 1920 silent drama, might seem like a typical Hollywood tearjerker on the surface. However, it holds a unique place in cinematic history for its innovative techniques.
Director Frank Borzage employed expressive camerawork to depict the emotions of the characters. He used close-ups, iris shots, and dissolves to create a heightened visual experience that transcended the limitations of silent film.
Beyond camerawork, Humouresque experimented with narrative structure. The film intercuts scenes of the protagonist's childhood dreams with the harsh realities of adulthood, creating a fragmented and subjective portrayal of his experience. This approach challenged traditional linear storytelling and offered a glimpse into the character's inner world.
While Humouresque wasn't a full-fledged avant-garde film, its willingness to push boundaries foreshadowed the rise of the American experimental film movement in the decades to come. It serves as a reminder of the silent era's capacity for innovation and emotional depth.
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