And here we are again: whether or not they had specifically been seen before, this 1920 film employs ideas and techniques that feel novel and advanced for the time. Tinting had already been in use for a good long while to connote various things; on the other hand, laying (some) intertitles over active footage, rather than in their own separate block of text, was definitely new. Even at that, the static intertitles reflect a frankly stunning level of artistic embellishment that's above and beyond what most contemporaries were doing. The editing of filmmaker Marcel L'Herbier and star Jaque Catelain also comes across as atypically shrewd and inventive, particularly where transitions are concerned, and some instances of framing and shot composition are kind of ingenious. Meanwhile, the stark seaside setting and filming locations, and the dour tenor of the tale, recall Victor Sjöström in some measure. Yes, there's much about 'L'homme du large' to catch one's eye even from the time it first begins. While I don't think it's a revelation in any sense, this high quality is certainly reflected elsewhere in the picture, and I think it's well worth checking out for those who appreciate the silent era.
L'Herbier's writing and direction are equally keen in shaping the story of human drama: a proud seaman, a wayward son, difficulties at home and in the nearby village, acts of desperation. There are timeless themes on hand that even modern viewers will recognize - questions of parenting styles, the laxity and lack of accountability that are afforded to men and boys even with the worst of behavior; the disappointment, frustration, and hurt of frayed family dynamics. It's a fine credit to the cast that they very ably bring the complex emotions and nuances to life with their acting, making the narrative all the more vivid. That realization is bolstered by the robust, flavorful, and varied tinting, and by the capable editing, and is additionally lent power by excellent hair, makeup, and costume design that further the somber airs about the proceedings. There's splendid detail in the sets, too, helping the feature to feel as real as it could.
Well done as the movie is, there's no especial stroke of brilliance here, and nothing that immediately leaps out to grab one's attention. However, nor are there any especial flaws that come to mind - it may not be wholly remarkably in the annals of cinema, but 'L'homme du large' is just about as solid as one can get before reaching the point of effusive praise. Such as it is I don't suppose this will do anything to change the minds of modern viewers who have a hard time engaging with older fare, yet anyone who is a fan of the classics will find much to love here. There's no rule that says every title needs to be a lightning bolt to be worth recognition and remembrance, and this is all that it needs to be with commendable craftsmanship across the board to tell a compelling, unexpectedly dark story and keep us engaged. Don't feel the need to go out of your way for 'L'homme du large,' but if you like silent films and have the chance to check it out, this is well worth 85 minutes of one's time.
L'Herbier's writing and direction are equally keen in shaping the story of human drama: a proud seaman, a wayward son, difficulties at home and in the nearby village, acts of desperation. There are timeless themes on hand that even modern viewers will recognize - questions of parenting styles, the laxity and lack of accountability that are afforded to men and boys even with the worst of behavior; the disappointment, frustration, and hurt of frayed family dynamics. It's a fine credit to the cast that they very ably bring the complex emotions and nuances to life with their acting, making the narrative all the more vivid. That realization is bolstered by the robust, flavorful, and varied tinting, and by the capable editing, and is additionally lent power by excellent hair, makeup, and costume design that further the somber airs about the proceedings. There's splendid detail in the sets, too, helping the feature to feel as real as it could.
Well done as the movie is, there's no especial stroke of brilliance here, and nothing that immediately leaps out to grab one's attention. However, nor are there any especial flaws that come to mind - it may not be wholly remarkably in the annals of cinema, but 'L'homme du large' is just about as solid as one can get before reaching the point of effusive praise. Such as it is I don't suppose this will do anything to change the minds of modern viewers who have a hard time engaging with older fare, yet anyone who is a fan of the classics will find much to love here. There's no rule that says every title needs to be a lightning bolt to be worth recognition and remembrance, and this is all that it needs to be with commendable craftsmanship across the board to tell a compelling, unexpectedly dark story and keep us engaged. Don't feel the need to go out of your way for 'L'homme du large,' but if you like silent films and have the chance to check it out, this is well worth 85 minutes of one's time.