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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1920 Vision of Allan Dwan
Deciphering the layers of The Forbidden Thing (1920) reveals a monumental shift in Drama filmmaking spearheaded by Allan Dwan. With its avant-garde structure and atmospheric tension, offering layers of thematic complexity that demand repeated viewing.
In The Forbidden Thing, 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 | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Allan Dwan's style and the core Drama narrative.
Puritanical Abel Blake is planning to marry the domestically oriented Joan when she is called away to a neighboring fishing village to care for her sick uncle. In her absence, Abel falls under the corrupting influence of some friends who take him to Ryan's, a notorious dance hall, where he meets seductress Glory Prada. Glory determines to make a conquest of Abel, who gradually falls under her spell and finally marries her. After learning of the news, Abel's mother dies of grief and Joan marries Dave, a fisherman. Abel is ostracized by the townspeople because of their animosity towards his wife, who soon tires of him and elopes with Jose Silva, proprietor of a traveling circus. Several years pass, during which time Glory is shot to death by Jose and Dave drowns in a storm, leaving behind Joan and their two children. Abel agrees to care for Joan's son, but in a fit of despondency decides to drown himself. As he enters the water, his ward cries after him and Abel regains his will to live. Later, when Joan comes to visit her son, she and Abel reunite and start life anew.
Decades after its release, The Forbidden Thing 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.