The Big Parade (1925)
In the National Film Registry
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2h 29m
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 war with unflinching realism, a stark contrast to the romanticized war films prevalent at the time. Director Vidor utilizes innovative large-scale battle sequences, employing thousands of extras and pioneering camerawork to capture the chaos and devastation of the trenches. These sequences are deeply immersive, transporting viewers to the heart of the conflict.
Beyond its technical achievements, The Big Parade delves into the psychological impact of war. The protagonist's journey from naive socialite to disillusioned soldier is explored with nuance. Vidor's use of subjective camerawork places viewers directly in the soldier's experience, forcing them to confront the emotional toll of combat.
The Big Parade's influence extends beyond the war genre. Its innovative approach to visual storytelling and its unflinching portrayal of war's brutality paved the way for a new wave of realism in American cinema.
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