Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1920 Vision of David Kirkland
In the grand tapestry of Comedy cinema, Nothing But the Truth serves as a bridge between the philosophical inquiries that David Kirkland embeds within the narrative. Melding the raw energy of United States with a global Comedy appeal, it invites us to question our own perceptions of Comedy narratives.
In Nothing But the Truth, David Kirkland 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.
To fully appreciate Nothing But the Truth, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1920. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and David Kirkland was at the forefront of this Comedy movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of David Kirkland's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Robert Bennett, an idle socialite, wagers $30,000 with his three friends that he can tell nothing but the truth for a period of one week. His troubles begin at a party where his friends' wives question Robert about their husbands' outside activities. Forced to tell the truth, Robert's veracity results in domestic disharmony. Consequently, his vengeful trio of friends pursue Robert for the next five days, intent upon silencing him until the week is over. They finally resort to committing Robert to an insane asylum where he escapes with the aid of Dolly, who is in love with him because she believes that Robert is a society thief. When the real burglar arrives, he tries to frame Robert for his crimes, but Robert is cleared as the week ends and claims both his wager and his sweetheart, Gwendolyn Gerald.
Decades after its release, Nothing But the Truth remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying David Kirkland's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.