Director's Spotlight
The Definitive Work of Cecil B. DeMille: Decoding What's His Name

“An investigative look into Cecil B. DeMille's 1914 classic What's His Name, exploring its visual grammar, cultural legacy, and cinematic impact.”
Director's Spotlight: United States
Analyzing What's His Name
A Deep Dive into the 1914 Vision of Cecil B. DeMille
The thematic gravity of What's His Name (1914) is rooted in the historical context that Cecil B. DeMille weaves into the cult fabric. Synthesizing the best elements of United States and international cinema, it highlights the importance of independent voices in United States.
The Definitive Work of Cecil B. DeMille
In What's His Name, Cecil B. DeMille 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.
Film Profile
- Title: What's His Name
- Year: 1914
- Director: Cecil B. DeMille
- Rating: 6.6/10
- Origin: United States
Cinematic Element Analysis
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Thematic Intersection
Visualizing the convergence of Cecil B. DeMille's style and the core cult narrative.
Thematic Breakdown
Soda jerk Harvey is the most popular man in Blakeville, New York, and deliriously happy through three years of poverty-stricken marriage to Nellie. When a musical-comedy comes through town, Nellie becomes and actress and tag-along Harvey becomes "What's His Name." When Nellie falls for a millionaire and goes to Reno for a divorce, Harvey takes their child Phoebe home, where her later illness brings her parents back together.
Legacy and Impact
Decades after its release, What's His Name remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Cecil B. DeMille's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.
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