Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of E. Dean Parmelee
The brilliance of How the Telephone Talks (1919) is inseparable from the visionary mind of its creator, E. Dean Parmelee. Serving as a mirror to the anxieties of a changing world, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In How the Telephone Talks, E. Dean Parmelee 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.
While deeply rooted in United States, How the Telephone Talks has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate cult tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1919 release.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Orchestral |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of E. Dean Parmelee's style and the core cult narrative.
Animated diagrams and live-action footage show telephone components and illustrate how they are able to transport sound electronically.
Decades after its release, How the Telephone Talks remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying E. Dean Parmelee's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.