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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1935 Vision of George B. Seitz
Peeling back the layers of George B. Seitz's Calm Yourself exposes the collaborative alchemy between George B. Seitz and the 1935 creative team. Anchored by a narrative that is both personal and universal, it reinforces the idea that cinema is a medium of infinite possibilities.
In Calm Yourself, George B. Seitz 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 Calm Yourself is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of George B. Seitz's style. By utilizing a 1935-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Romance themes.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of George B. Seitz's style and the core Romance narrative.
Advertising executive Preston 'Pat' Patton is fired from his job by Col. Allenby when he discovers him wooing his daughter Mary Elizabeth. Pat tries to remain calm and starts the agency 'Confidential Services, Inc.' On his first assignment Pat gets off to a bad start by delivering the wrong drunk to an overweight wife's bed. Next, he is hired to keep beautiful Rosalind Rockwell away from her father's new, young wife because her father Kenneth S. Rockwell has been passing himself off as a younger man. So, Pat hires Rosalind as his secretary, allowing her to become involved in some comic misadventures. They also become romantically involved.
Decades after its release, Calm Yourself remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying George B. Seitz's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.