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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1923 Vision of Frank Borzage
As a cultural artifact of the 1923s, The Nth Commandment provides the global recognition that Frank Borzage garnered after the release of The Nth Commandment. Elevating the source material through Frank Borzage's unique vision, it solidifies Frank Borzage's reputation as a master of the craft.
In The Nth Commandment, Frank Borzage 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 | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Frank Borzage's style and the core Drama narrative.
Flattered by the attentions of dapper song plugger Jimmie Fitzgibbons, department store clerk Sarah Juke is nearly lured away from her true love, Harry Smith. After they marry, Harry develops tuberculosis, forcing Sarah to return to work. A doctor advises Harry to move to a milder climate, but Sarah's appeals to an aid society bring no solution. Jimmie, now a successful songwriter, hopes to win Sarah away from Harry, but instead loses $300 to her in wagers, then is rebuffed when he tries to make love to her. Claiming that she earned the money as a dancer, Sarah pays Harry's way to California, following soon after with their child.
Decades after its release, The Nth Commandment remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Frank Borzage's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.