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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1932 Vision of Alfred J. Goulding
Exploring the Documentary underpinnings of Believe It or Not (Second Series) #7 leads us to the uncompromising vision of Alfred J. Goulding that defines this Documentary masterpiece. Melding the raw energy of United States with a global Documentary appeal, it echoes the profound changes occurring in United States during that era.
In Believe It or Not (Second Series) #7, Alfred J. Goulding 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 | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Alfred J. Goulding's style and the core Documentary narrative.
Robert Ripley gives a show aboard a luxury liner at sea, starting with drawings discussing the origin of the term "fathom" and Christopher Columbus being banished from America. Film clip highlights include US curiosities such as a leaning lighthouse, a movie theater in a lead mine, a corn mosaic of the American flag, a working water pump in downtown Washington, and a beauty queen who also won a contest for making funny faces, as well as more footage from his tour of North Africa.
Decades after its release, Believe It or Not (Second Series) #7 remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Alfred J. Goulding's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.