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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1917 Vision of E. Mason Hopper
The brilliance of As Men Love (1917) is inseparable from the visionary mind of its creator, E. Mason Hopper. Serving as a mirror to the anxieties of a changing world, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In As Men Love, E. Mason Hopper 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, As Men Love 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 1917 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of E. Mason Hopper's style and the core cult narrative.
Diana Gordon a socialite, falls madly in love with Dr. Paul Russell, her husband Keith's best friend. Russell, however, is in love with Keith's sister Marjorie, who is spending the winter with the Gordons. Overhearing Russell's proposal to Marjorie, Diana is extremely jealous and when alone with the physician, throws herself into his arms. At that moment, Gordon enters the room, and to protect Diana's reputation, Russell takes the blame and is banished from the house. Sometime later, polio sweeps the city and Russell becomes an expert in treating the disease. The Gordon's young daughter is stricken and Diana summons the physician, but Gordon forbids him to enter their home. In order to save her child, Diana reveals the truth to her husband and sister-in-law. All are then reconciled and the little girl recovers.
Decades after its release, As Men Love remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying E. Mason Hopper's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.