Safety Last! (1923)
In the National Film Registry
•
1h 12m
Silent star climbs high for love & laughs. Iconic stunt. Daring & hilarious.
Safety Last! (1923), a silent comedy starring Harold Lloyd, incorporates elements that could considered as forerunners of experimental filmmaking. Lloyd's character constantly strives for upward mobility, both literally and figuratively.
This is reflected in the film's daring stunts, particularly the iconic scene where he dangles from a clock face high above the city. These death-defying sequences blur the line between comedy and genuine danger, creating a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere.
Safety Last! also experiments with pacing and editing. The film incorporates rapid cuts and unexpected shifts in tone, keeping the audience on edge and adding to the comedic effect. The use of perspective is playful, with scenes filmed from unusual angles or with distorted sets, further contributing to the film's offbeat charm.
While rooted in slapstick comedy, Safety Last! paves the way for a more adventurous approach to filmmaking. Its innovative stunts, editing techniques, and playful use of perspective foreshadow the experimentation that would become a hallmark of the avant-garde film movement.
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