In Hollywood, the focus was on escapism, large and lavish sets, and escapism. They weren’t using the innovative visual techniques pioneered during the silent era. None of this applied to Marcel Pagnol and what he chose to do with Marius.
While often comedic, this is ultimately a slice of life film, depicting the struggles of young love, and ambition vs duty. It is incredibly mature and nonjudgmental. None of its characters’ actions are inherently wrong, but rather clashing with each other’s. Looks aside, it plays out like a 90s Linklater movie with two people in their 20s trying to figure out what they want from life.
I sometimes struggle with how stilted the early talkies could be in contrast to the dynamic filmmaking of the silent era, however this felt at least 10 years later than it was. Very impressive for its time and still holds up 90 years later.
In Hollywood, the focus was on escapism, large and lavish sets, and escapism. They weren’t using the innovative visual techniques pioneered during the silent era. None of this applied to Marcel Pagnol and what he chose to do with Marius.
While often comedic, this is ultimately a slice of life film, depicting the struggles of young love, and ambition vs duty. It is incredibly mature and nonjudgmental. None of its characters’ actions are inherently wrong, but rather clashing with each other’s. Looks aside, it plays out like a 90s Linklater movie with two people in their 20s trying to figure out what they want from life.
I sometimes struggle with how stilted the early talkies could be in contrast to the dynamic filmmaking of the silent era, however this felt at least 10 years later than it was. Very impressive for its time and still holds up 90 years later.
