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As we rapidly absorb new information and often take our surroundings for granted in this modern age, we are long overdue for a day of reflection and slowing down. Silent Movie Day on Sept. 29 is the perfect opportunity to unplug, take a break from the instant gratification of Instagram reels, and detox with a transcendental movie marathon.
‘The General’ Dir. Buster Keaton (1926)
“The General,” directed by and starring Buster Keaton, is the classic of the classics. If you are new to silent movies, this will definitely be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Southern railroad engineer Johnny faces off Union soldiers as he tries to retrieve both a stolen train and his fiancee Annabelle. A vast majority of the film takes place on a moving train, and Keaton is often seen performing stunts and making a fool of himself. Sporting his iconic “stone-face,” he made use of the props and cast members around him to build up one comedic moment after another, compensating for the absence of sound. He was not afraid to think out of the box and defy society’s expectations of cinema’s capabilities. In fact, he was willing to risk his own life for his passion for bringing novel ideas to the big screen. “The General” is a combination of a fever dream and a circus show that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
‘Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans’ Dir. F. W. Murnau (1927)
If you think silent movies work best when they are fast-paced with a strong emphasis on physical and visual humor, “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” will blow your mind. The movie opens with an affair between a farmer and a girl from the city. She persuades the farmer to murder his wife and move to the city with her. When the plan fails, the farmer comes back to his senses and does everything he can to rekindle the love between him and his wife. The entire story takes place in one day and one night, but Murnau is in no rush — he spends a large portion of the film zooming into each character’s face and showing their emotions. Very few films from that era had such a measured pace, since the lack of dialogue and frequent close-up shots risked boring the audience. Murnau, on the other hand, took advantage of synchronized music and sound effects to create contrasting moods in the village and the city. He also chose two extremely talented actors, George O’Brien and Janet Gaynor, who were able to convey their characters’ internal struggles through natural and subtle facial expressions. Time moves differently when they are onscreen together, and as audience members, we find comfort in the couple’s genuine simplicity and grace amid the bustling world around them.
‘Pandora’s Box’ Dir. G. W. Pabst (1929)
“Pandora’s Box” is one of two G. W. Pabst films featuring Louise Brooks as Lulu that were released in the same year. It follows the tragic story of an alluring young woman who causes trouble for the men she attracts. The movie explores themes that were considered scandalous during the time it was produced, such as female sexuality, lesbianism, and male manipulation. People often mistake Lulu for a femme fatale and argue that her lack of dignity results in her downfall. However, Brooks clearly portrays her as a cheerful and innocent girl who is just trying to survive under harsh circumstances. Pabst’s mastery in cinematic arts is not limited to the movie itself. In fact, it is important to consider the historical context of “Pandora’s Box” — how audience interpretations change over time reflects societal norms and the power dynamics brought upon by different sexualities. In addition, the film also boasts a chic costume collection, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the bourgeoisie in the Roaring Twenties. For a silent and black-and-white film, “Pandora’s Box” does not fall short of a modern-day movie in terms of aesthetics and intentions.
‘Modern Times’ Dir. Charlie Chaplin (1936)
Similar to “The General,” Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” also focuses on the body language of actors and how they interact with their surroundings to provide comedic relief. However, the gags serve as a thin veil for the somber, underlying pains of the Great Depression. When the characters fail to find a sense of belonging, audience members have the urge to laugh at them and cry for them at the same time. Chaplin depicts the struggles of the working class through the Little Tramp’s journey of finding a job and instills his own concerns as a silent movie star living in a time when “talkies” become increasingly popular. There is something bitter and nostalgic underneath all the silliness. The movie is packed with iconic scenes such as the assembly line sequence, the introduction of the feeding machine, and, most importantly, the Little Tramp singing his “nonsense song,” which features Chaplin’s real voice. This can be read as both a satirical criticism of “talkies” spilling nonsense or a desperate attempt to conform to the new age of the film industry. Nonetheless, “Modern Times” and Chaplin’s other works will always remain as masterpieces.
‘The Artist’ Dir. Michel Hazanavicius (2011)
“The Artist,” which dominated the 84th Academy Awards, including winning Best Picture, is probably not the first thing that comes to mind on Silent Movie Day. Released in the 21st century, it doesn’t have the grainy vintage quality of its older counterparts. However, it is black and white throughout and has little to no dialogue until the very end. “The Artist” is essentially a metafilm paying tribute to the golden age of silent movies through the lens of French actor George Valentin and his biggest fan, Peppy Miller. Disguised as a sweet yet tear-jerking romance, “The Artist” reflects on how “talkies” took over Hollywood in the 1920s, and many stars of the previous era lost their spark and got abruptly replaced. Not only does Hazanavicius incorporate comedic elements such as Uggie the dog’s role as a “wingman” for the protagonists, but he also transports the audience back in time with his choice of setting. This includes real-life locations representing Hollywood glamor, like the Bradbury Building and Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. The most memorable part of “The Artist” is no doubt its emotional duality. Under all the tap-dancing and fangirling, Hazanavicius does not forget to mourn the bygone silent film era and evoke sympathy for those who faded into the background over time.
