Jubilo (1919)
In the National Film Registry
•
55m
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. This challenges the expected archetype of the happy-go-lucky hobo.
Technically, Jubilo experiments with pacing. While maintaining a narrative flow, it incorporates moments of slapstick humor that disrupt the film's rhythm. This unconventional approach keeps the audience engaged and reflects the unpredictable nature of the protagonist's transformation.
The film's exploration of rural life through a comedic lens offers a unique perspective on a genre typically dominated by more serious narratives. This blend of humor and drama foreshadows the experimentation with genre that would become a hallmark of later artistic movements.
Jubilo's subtle subversiveness and thematic playfulness mark it as a film that embodies the essence of experimental cinema, paving the way for future explorations of form and storytelling.
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