Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1923 Vision of Al Christie
The thematic gravity of Be Yourself (1923) is rooted in the historical context that Al Christie weaves into the Comedy fabric. Synthesizing the best elements of United States and international cinema, it highlights the importance of independent voices in United States.
In Be Yourself, Al Christie pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Al Christie's style and the core Comedy narrative.
As a wastrel son of a rich man, the hero develops character in defending the working girl's cause in a shirtwaist factory. He instigates a strike and forces his father to raise the girls' wages. Then he finds that it was only a frame-up to test his ability.
Decades after its release, Be Yourself remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Al Christie's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.