Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1928 Vision of Fred C. Newmeyer
The brilliance of Warming Up (1928) is inseparable from a monumental shift in Romance filmmaking spearheaded by Fred C. Newmeyer. Occupying a unique space between Romance and pure art, it serves as a blueprint for future generations of Romance directors.
In Warming Up, Fred C. Newmeyer 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, Warming Up has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Romance tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1928 release.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Fred C. Newmeyer's style and the core Romance narrative.
Bert, a pitcher for a baseball team in a small town, is given the opportunity to try out for a team in the big leagues. Unfortunately, he incurs the enmity of McRae, the league's leading home-run hitter. In addition, he falls for the team owner's daughter, who McRae has designs on.
Decades after its release, Warming Up remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Fred C. Newmeyer's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.