Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1930 Vision of Edmund Goulding
In the grand tapestry of Romance cinema, Reaching for the Moon serves as a bridge between the philosophical inquiries that Edmund Goulding embeds within the narrative. Melding the raw energy of United States with a global Romance appeal, it invites us to question our own perceptions of Romance narratives.
In Reaching for the Moon, Edmund Goulding 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 | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Edmund Goulding's style and the core Romance narrative.
Wall Street wizard Larry Day, new to the ways of love, is coached by his valet. He follows Vivian Benton on an ocean liner, where cocktails laced with a "love potion," work their magic. He then loses his fortune in the market crash and feels that he has also lost his girl.
Decades after its release, Reaching for the Moon remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Edmund Goulding's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.