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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of Norval MacGregor
Peeling back the layers of Norval MacGregor's Children of Banishment exposes the technical innovation that Norval MacGregor introduced to the cult format. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to cult excellence, it stands as the definitive 1919 statement on cult identity.
In Children of Banishment, Norval MacGregor 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 | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Norval MacGregor's style and the core cult narrative.
Foreman Dick Bream, of the lumber firm of Hill and Burchard, resigns from his job to buy a profitable tract of land with stranger Allen Mackenzie. Dick's former boss Hill, desiring the land, attempts to buy out Mackenzie without Dick's knowledge. After Hill tries to prevent Dick from shipping logs over his territory, to stop them from reaching the railroad, Dick fights Hill and dynamites the logs Hill placed as an obstruction. When Dick discovers Hill's dealings with Mackenzie, he forces Mackenzie to put his shares in his wife Eloise's name. As Mackenzie begins to act honestly, Dick discovers that he is falling in love with Eloise. Not able to eat or sleep because of his love for her, Dick leaves the camp. Mackenzie, who ascertains that Eloise has been faithful, follows Dick and falls into a mountain stream. Dick saves his life, but soon dies from pneumonia after wishing happiness to Mackenzie and Eloise.
Decades after its release, Children of Banishment remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Norval MacGregor's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.