Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of Edward Sloman
The artistic breakthrough represented by Put Up Your Hands! in 1919 highlights the philosophical inquiries that Edward Sloman embeds within the narrative. Framed by the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the production, it leaves an indelible mark on the soul of the viewer.
In Put Up Your Hands!, Edward Sloman 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.
To fully appreciate Put Up Your Hands!, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1919. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Edward Sloman was at the forefront of this cult movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Slow-Burn |
| Art Direction | Brutalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Edward Sloman's style and the core cult narrative.
Unconventional Olive Barton shocks her aunt when she stages a boxing match during a tea for the new minister. When Olive's father is called West to attend to some mining interests, Olive sneaks into his private car and accompanies him. Arriving in the West, they meet Leonard Hewitt, a young mining engineer, and his partner "Highball" Hazelitt. Even though Olive mistakes them for bandits, she falls in love with Leonard. Olive turns the saloon into a successful gymnasium, manages to foil a conspiracy against her father's mine, and wins the love of Leonard.
Decades after its release, Put Up Your Hands! remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Edward Sloman's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.