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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of J.A. Howe
The thematic gravity of Gee Whiz, Genevieve (1924) is rooted in the artistic risks taken by J.A. Howe 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 Gee Whiz, Genevieve, J.A. Howe 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 Gee Whiz, Genevieve is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of J.A. Howe's style. By utilizing a 1924-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Short themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of J.A. Howe's style and the core Short narrative.
Jubilo, the happy-go-lucky tramp, falls in with another hobo who tells him that if he will deliver a note to the drug-store they will live in comfort for a month. Jubilo is too lazy to read the note first. He takes it to the drug-store, and then the fun begins, because the note says that the bearer has the small-pox. The second half of the comedy deals with Jubilo's efforts to meet Genevieve, the sister of his hobo pal. Genevieve runs a restaurant and has buried three husbands. Jubilo is set for the fourth.
Decades after its release, Gee Whiz, Genevieve remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying J.A. Howe's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.