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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1917 Vision of Herbert Blaché
Deciphering the layers of The Auction of Virtue (1917) reveals a monumental shift in cult filmmaking spearheaded by Herbert Blaché. With its avant-garde structure and atmospheric tension, offering layers of thematic complexity that demand repeated viewing.
In The Auction of Virtue, Herbert Blaché 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 The Auction of Virtue, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1917. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Herbert Blaché was at the forefront of this cult movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Herbert Blaché's style and the core cult narrative.
Young Phyllis Shaw, tired of being poor, sets out to snag a rich husband. She meets a young artist named Jerry, who falls for her, but she rejects him because he's not rich. She then meets Kirke, who is exactly the type of man she's looking for, but with one problem--he won't marry her, but as his "kept woman" he will lavish her with money and gifts. What to do, what to do . . .
Decades after its release, The Auction of Virtue remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Herbert Blaché's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.