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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1934 Vision of Dorothy Arzner
In the grand tapestry of Drama cinema, Nana serves as a bridge between the bold experimentation that has become synonymous with Dorothy Arzner. Breaking the traditional rules of Drama engagement, it highlights the importance of independent voices in United States.
In Nana, Dorothy Arzner 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, Dorothy Arzner explores the intersection of Drama and United States cultural identity. The meticulous attention to detail suggests a deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium, ensuring that Nana remains a relevant topic of study for Drama enthusiasts.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Dorothy Arzner's style and the core Drama narrative.
Nana is a 1934 American Pre-Code film, produced by Samuel Goldwyn, released through United Artists, starring Anna Sten. and directed by Dorothy Arzner and George Fitzmaurice. This version of Émile Zola's heroine was to be the vehicle for Sten's triumph as Samuel Goldwyn's trained, groomed and heavily promoted answer to Greta Garbo. Despite the big investment, the publicity help from William Randolph Hearst, and a record-breaking opening week at Radio City Music Hall, Sten was beautiful but disappointing. Goldwyn's tutoring of Sten is mentioned in Cole Porter's 1934 song "Anything Goes" from the musical of the same name: "If Sam Goldwyn can with great conviction / Instruct Anna Sten in diction / Then Anna shows / Anything goes."
Decades after its release, Nana remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Dorothy Arzner's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.