Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of Del Lord
As we revisit the 1924 masterpiece Bull and Sand, we are struck by the meticulous attention to detail that Del Lord applied to every frame. Anchored by a narrative that is both personal and universal, it bridges the gap between traditional Comedy and contemporary vision.
In Bull and Sand, Del Lord 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 | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Del Lord's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Adonis, the King of Bullomania's personal chauffeur, is in love with Princess Ernestine, the King's daughter. To win her heart, he accepts to fight bulls at the bullfighting school. But the princess is also courted by Manuel Risotto, a famous toreador who kidnaps her. The King chases after him in a car driven by Adonis. Unfortunately, the chauffeur lets Risotto run away. In a rage, the King condemns Adonis to the death penalty. But it is without counting a scientist who has invented a rocket, his assistant who falls down in the yard of Adonis's prison, a great escape featuring Adonis and the assistant disguised as bulls, a second abduction of the Princess - but, this time for the just cause of love -, a wild chase and a final flight to another planet!
Decades after its release, Bull and Sand remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Del Lord's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.