The highlight of my trip to Los Angeles last summer was visiting the unique movie theater called The Silent Movie; the only remaining theater in the world that exclusively plays silent films. The feature of the evening was Manhandled (1924); a hilarious romantic comedy starring Gloria Swanson. While of course the film was silent, accompaniment was provided by a 90 year old organist. What a refreshing experience to be in a room filled with movie fans watching a story told through pantomime, rather than sound.
One unfortunate thing that has happened as movies tend to become more expensive, flashier, and rely on special effects is that we as film fans have lost our sense of history. The silent era (1915-1929) produced some fine films, but other than the occasional Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton revival, many moviegoers have never seen a silent movie.
Here are some of my favorite silent films. With the exception of Sunrise, all of these movies are available on NetFlix.
Modern Times – Released in 1936 when the rest of the world had gone ‘talkie’, this masterpiece by Charlie Chaplin was ahead of its time with images of mechanization and worker exploitation.
The General – Buster Keaton’s finest film. Keaton stars as Johnny Gray, a Confederate soldier who attempts to re-capture his beloved train stolen by Yankees. Filled with exciting action sequences, Keaton performed all his own stunts
The Passion of Joan of Arc – The script was based on the actual accounts of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. Maria Falconetti, the lead actress, gives a mesmerizing performance as the ill-fated heroine.
Metropolis – The most influential of all the silent films. Star Wars, Blade Runner, and 2001: A Space Odyssey all were influenced by this 1927 classic. Be sure to watch the 2003 restored version.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari – Expressionistic German film that contains twisted, surreal backdrops set in an insane asylum. Made in 1919, it is considered to be the first horror film.
Nosferatu – Director F.W. Murnau set out to make a movie based on the novel Dracula, but Bram Stoker’s widow refused to give him the rights to the film. Undaunted, Murnau went out and filmed his own vampire movie with the creepy Max Schreck as the lead vampire.
Intolerance – Big budget epic from D.W. Griffith. The film uses four separate narratives to convey intolerance throughout history. Literally contains a cast of thousands of extras.
Sunrise – One of the most beautifully shot movies I’ve ever seen. This romantic love triangle will touch you.
Battleship Potemkin – Russian film that was groundbreaking in the way it used montage and editing to convey tragedy.
Safety Last - Featuring comedian Harold Lloyd (who also did all of his own stunts) in his most famous role. The climax of Lloyd climbing a building and clinging to a clock face is an iconic silent film image.
Honorable Mentions:
Sherlock Jr. - Another hilarious Buster Keaton film.
Phantom of the Opera – Lon Chaney in his most memorable role.
Un Chien Andalou – With a script written by Salvador Dali, this film contains some unforgettable bizarre images.
The Gold Rush – As the most accessible silent film actor, Charlie Chaplin deserves a second mention as well. (As does City Lights and The Kid)
Thief of Bagdad – Adventurous movie that shows off dashing Douglas Fairbanks’ charisma as well as his pecs.
Birth of a Nation – Although its historical legacy is now tainted by racist overtones, D.W. Griffith’s classic is a landmark film with its camera shots, storytelling, and action sequences.
Ed Killingsworth, film nerd, is wishing audiences were silent in the movie theater.
One unfortunate thing that has happened as movies tend to become more expensive, flashier, and rely on special effects is that we as film fans have lost our sense of history. The silent era (1915-1929) produced some fine films, but other than the occasional Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton revival, many moviegoers have never seen a silent movie.
Here are some of my favorite silent films. With the exception of Sunrise, all of these movies are available on NetFlix.
Modern Times – Released in 1936 when the rest of the world had gone ‘talkie’, this masterpiece by Charlie Chaplin was ahead of its time with images of mechanization and worker exploitation.
The General – Buster Keaton’s finest film. Keaton stars as Johnny Gray, a Confederate soldier who attempts to re-capture his beloved train stolen by Yankees. Filled with exciting action sequences, Keaton performed all his own stunts
The Passion of Joan of Arc – The script was based on the actual accounts of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc. Maria Falconetti, the lead actress, gives a mesmerizing performance as the ill-fated heroine.
Metropolis – The most influential of all the silent films. Star Wars, Blade Runner, and 2001: A Space Odyssey all were influenced by this 1927 classic. Be sure to watch the 2003 restored version.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari – Expressionistic German film that contains twisted, surreal backdrops set in an insane asylum. Made in 1919, it is considered to be the first horror film.
Nosferatu – Director F.W. Murnau set out to make a movie based on the novel Dracula, but Bram Stoker’s widow refused to give him the rights to the film. Undaunted, Murnau went out and filmed his own vampire movie with the creepy Max Schreck as the lead vampire.
Intolerance – Big budget epic from D.W. Griffith. The film uses four separate narratives to convey intolerance throughout history. Literally contains a cast of thousands of extras.
Sunrise – One of the most beautifully shot movies I’ve ever seen. This romantic love triangle will touch you.
Battleship Potemkin – Russian film that was groundbreaking in the way it used montage and editing to convey tragedy.
Safety Last - Featuring comedian Harold Lloyd (who also did all of his own stunts) in his most famous role. The climax of Lloyd climbing a building and clinging to a clock face is an iconic silent film image.
Honorable Mentions:
Sherlock Jr. - Another hilarious Buster Keaton film.
Phantom of the Opera – Lon Chaney in his most memorable role.
Un Chien Andalou – With a script written by Salvador Dali, this film contains some unforgettable bizarre images.
The Gold Rush – As the most accessible silent film actor, Charlie Chaplin deserves a second mention as well. (As does City Lights and The Kid)
Thief of Bagdad – Adventurous movie that shows off dashing Douglas Fairbanks’ charisma as well as his pecs.
Birth of a Nation – Although its historical legacy is now tainted by racist overtones, D.W. Griffith’s classic is a landmark film with its camera shots, storytelling, and action sequences.
Ed Killingsworth, film nerd, is wishing audiences were silent in the movie theater.
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