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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of Emmett J. Flynn
The thematic gravity of The Lincoln Highwayman (1919) is rooted in the artistic risks taken by Emmett J. Flynn that eventually paid off. Defining a new era of United States artistic expression, it demands to be seen by anyone who cares about the art of film.
In The Lincoln Highwayman, Emmett J. Flynn 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.
The visual language of The Lincoln Highwayman is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Emmett J. Flynn's style. By utilizing a 1919-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its cult themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Emmett J. Flynn's style and the core cult narrative.
In a prologue, the evolution of banditry from the road agent to the modern automobile bandit is depicted. In the main story, Marian Calvert, traveling along the California coast with her uncle and his family to a weekend party, becomes infatuated with the infamous Lincoln Highwayman when he robs them of their jewelry and leaves in his high powered auto. At the party, when late arrival Jimmy Clunder drops one of the stolen jewels, Marian's suspicions are aroused even though he explains he found it on the road. Steele, a secret service man at the party, who is in love with Marian, vows to capture the criminal, while the Governor of California appoints Captain Claver from the Sacramento police and his assistant to catch him. When Jimmy, with the help of his very intelligent dog Spike, holds up Steele and Marian to prove Steele's incompetence, Marian, convinced that Jimmy is the thief, falls more in love with him. After Jimmy, masquerading as a paymaster of a copper mine, captures the real thieves, the policemen, he wins a reward and Marian's love.
Decades after its release, The Lincoln Highwayman remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Emmett J. Flynn's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.