Menilmontant (1926) is silent film played to its best advantage, dabbling more in subjective states and a dreamlike atmosphere than the more concrete affair that comes with making a sound movie. The whole thing is like a fascinating dream, pure image, no intertitles. The actors are able to get across every fleeting emotion and nuance without a single word or ounce of verbal/written exposition.
The story is excellent, melodramatic without feeling mawkish or simple. It is a sad tale, but one that includes room for hope and redemption in the final scenes.
Nothing less than a forty minute tour de force.
The story is excellent, melodramatic without feeling mawkish or simple. It is a sad tale, but one that includes room for hope and redemption in the final scenes.
Nothing less than a forty minute tour de force.