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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of J.A. Howe
Peeling back the layers of J.A. Howe's Misfits and Matrimony exposes the collaborative alchemy between J.A. Howe and the 1918 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 Misfits and Matrimony, 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 Misfits and Matrimony is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of J.A. Howe's style. By utilizing a 1918-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its cult themes.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of J.A. Howe's style and the core cult narrative.
At a Red Cross entertainment where pretty girls' kisses are sold to the highest bidder, one of the young women whose kisses are being sold becomes unbalanced, and forgetting that she is already married, promises her hand to two rival suitors, each of whom is to meet her at the depot with a minister. In the mix-up, the number of ministers invited to perform the ceremony increases, and in their eagerness to be in at the finish they take to bicycles in pursuit as the two lovers try to elude each other. Finally the husband of the young woman appears on the scene and puts an end to his wife's flirtations.
Decades after its release, Misfits and Matrimony 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.