The Bargain (1914)
In the National Film Registry
•
1h 19m
Outlaw Jim seeks redemption, striking a deal to capture another villain for freedom. Though a Western on the surface, The Bargain (1914) starring William S. Hart deviates from the typical hero-villain dichotomy.
Hart's character, Jim Stokes, is a complex outlaw seeking redemption. The film explores the challenges of going straight in a lawless world, creating a morally ambiguous protagonist uncommon for the time. This introspection adds depth to the traditional Western narrative.
Technically, The Bargain utilizes innovative camerawork for the silent era. Director Reginald Barker employs close-ups to emphasize character emotions and dynamic tracking shots during action sequences. This focus on visual storytelling would become a hallmark of future Westerns.
The Bargain's legacy lies in its influence on the Western genre. It paved the way for more nuanced characters and morally complex narratives. While not purely experimental, the film demonstrates innovation within a well-established genre, pushing the boundaries of what a Western could be.
Up Next in In the National Film Registry
-
The Battle of the Century (1927)
Boxing scam goes splat! Pie fight erupts, city in chaos. Laurel & Hardy caught in creamy mayhem.
While The Battle of the Century (1927), a silent slapstick masterpiece featuring Laurel and Hardy, retains a basic plot – a fixed boxing match gone wrong – its humor relies heavily on the subversion ...
-
The Beau Brummels (1928)
Dapper vaudeville duo croon & crack wise, poking fun at love & life in early talkie gem.
The Beau Brummels (1928), a short film featuring the vaudeville duo of Al Shaw and Sam Lee, presents a unique blend of humor and form.
The film appears to be a straightforward comedy act. Shaw and Lee deliv...
-
The Big Parade (1925)
Spoiled American joins WWI, faces horrors, finds love & loss, questioning war's purpose.
While The Big Parade, a 1925 silent war drama directed by King Vidor, doesn't stray far from a narrative structure, The Big Parade breaks new ground in its portrayal of WWI.
The film depicts the horrors of...
