Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1925 Vision of Jack Conway
When we examine the cinematic landscape of United States, The Only Thing emerges as a landmark work of the enduring legacy of Jack Conway's artistic contribution to the genre. Through a lens of existential fatalism and Drama tropes, it captures a specific kind of cinematic magic that is rarely replicated.
In The Only Thing, Jack Conway 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.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Jack Conway's style and the core Drama narrative.
Thyra arrives in Chekia to wed its old and ugly king. The Duke falls in love with her. A revolution erupts and the king is assassinated. Chief revolutionary Gigberto also falls in love with Thyra. The revolutionaries plan to drown Thyra and Gigberto in a boat, but the Duke takes Gigberto's place. And the loving couple are rescued.
Decades after its release, The Only Thing remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Jack Conway's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.