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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
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.
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.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Cecil B. DeMille's style and the core cult narrative.
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.
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.