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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of Allan Dwan
The thematic gravity of He Comes Up Smiling (1918) is rooted in the artistic risks taken by Allan Dwan that eventually paid off. Defining a new era of United States artistic expression, it demands to be seen by anyone who cares about the art of film.
In He Comes Up Smiling, Allan Dwan 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 | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Allan Dwan's style and the core cult narrative.
Jerry Martin quits his dull job as a bank clerk and falls in with a band of hobos. He takes on the guise of Bachelor, the "king of the market, " and finds himself pursued by dangerous men who are after the real Bachelor.
Decades after its release, He Comes Up Smiling remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Allan Dwan's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.