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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United Kingdom
A Deep Dive into the 1936 Vision of Leo Mittler
The brilliance of Cheer Up! (1936) is inseparable from the visionary mind of its creator, Leo Mittler. Serving as a mirror to the anxieties of a changing world, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In Cheer Up!, Leo Mittler 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.
While deeply rooted in United Kingdom, Cheer Up! has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Musical tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1936 release.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Leo Mittler's style and the core Musical narrative.
A couple of out of work songwriters try to persuade a wealthy stockbroker to back them. But he turns out to be broke as they are. A series of mistaken identities, misunderstandings and general confusion as our heroes attempt to make a living as songwriters in 1930s Britain. Well paced acting with some quite amusing lines, together with some reasonably good song and dance make this amusing Ealing Studio production worth a viewing.
Decades after its release, Cheer Up! remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Leo Mittler's status as a master of the craft in United Kingdom and beyond.