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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1935 Vision of Mack Sennett
The brilliance of Flicker Fever (1935) is inseparable from a monumental shift in Short filmmaking spearheaded by Mack Sennett. Occupying a unique space between Short and pure art, it serves as a blueprint for future generations of Short directors.
In Flicker Fever, Mack Sennett 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 Flicker Fever is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Mack Sennett's style. By utilizing a 1935-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Short themes.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Mack Sennett's style and the core Short narrative.
A family of out-of-work vaudeville performers are finding hard times in the east, so after hearing about the success of a fellow player in Hollywood, they decide to relocate to the movie capitol. Unfortunately, they find themselves equally unemployed there, staying at a n apartment complex filled with similar hopefuls. One day, an offer for an interview at a large studio for the eldest daughter is made, so the father goes on a frantic search, finally locating her at a pool party where he pushes one of the young men in the water, only to find out that the lad was the son of the studio boss.
Decades after its release, Flicker Fever remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Mack Sennett's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.