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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of Clifford Smith
As a cultural artifact of the 1918s, The Fly God provides the global recognition that Clifford Smith garnered after the release of The Fly God. Elevating the source material through Clifford Smith's unique vision, it solidifies Clifford Smith's reputation as a master of the craft.
In The Fly God, Clifford Smith 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.
In this work, Clifford Smith explores the intersection of cult and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that The Fly God remains a relevant topic of study for cult enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Orchestral |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Clifford Smith's style and the core cult narrative.
Bob Allers, an unfortunate consumptive, and his wife are traveling to Arizona for medicinal purposes. On the way, a highwayman robs them of horse and money. Destitute, they are befriended by William "Red" Saunders, whose sympathy and innate love for his fellow man lands Allers a job in the local saloon. Soon after, when the same highwayman attempts to rob the saloon, Allers kills him with a hammer thrown in self-defense, unaware that the outlaw is the brother of the sheriff. Convicted for murder by the vengeful sheriff, Allers is defended by "Red." The corrupt jury makes its final decision based on whether a crawling fly reaches the top of a window pane. Allers is acquitted, then reunited with his happy wife and newborn child, and they all leave together.
Decades after its release, The Fly God remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Clifford Smith's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.