It (1927)
In the National Film Registry
•
1h 15m
Shop girl charms boss, heartbreak ensues. Flirty tactics ignite, proving "it" lies within.
It (1927) stands apart from the narrative-driven films of the era. Director Josef von Sternberg breaks free from traditional storytelling, instead crafting a visual poem that prioritizes imagery and atmosphere over plot.
The film utilizes a unique blend of techniques to achieve its dreamlike quality. Superimpositions create ghostly apparitions, while distorted sets and skewed camerawork evoke a sense of unease. Von Sternberg also employs innovative cutting rhythms, juxtaposing scenes to create a non-linear narrative that invites interpretation.
It's not just the visuals that push boundaries. The film incorporates sound in unconventional ways, with music and sound effects used to heighten emotions rather than mimic reality. This focus on creating a sensory experience aligns with the core principles of experimental film.
Ultimately, It (1927) stands as a testament to the power of film as a visual art form. By prioritizing experimentation and emotional resonance over traditional storytelling, it paved the way for future generations of filmmakers to explore the true potential of the medium.
Up Next in In the National Film Registry
-
Jam Session (1942)
Ellington & Orchestra ignite in "C Jam Blues" performance. Jazz history unfolds.
Made for the short-lived "Soundie" format, played in coin-operated jukeboxes, Jam Session (1942), a short film featuring Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, condenses a captivating live performance into a mere three m...
-
Jubilo (1919)
Tramp witnesses robbery, aids farmer, foils villain, wins love & farm.
Jubilo (1919), a seemingly straightforward comedy-drama, delves into themes of transformation and hidden depths, with Will Roger's character, a roguish vagrant, undergoing a journey of self-discovery through work and heroism....
-
Kid Auto Races at Venice (1914)
Chaplin's Tramp stumbles at car race, chaos ensues! Silent slapstick genius debuts.
Kid Auto Races at Venice (1914), a one-reel Keystone Studios comedy starring a slapstick Charlie Chaplin in his iconic Tramp persona holds a significant place in the history of the filmmaking.
The film breaks th...
