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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1923 Vision of Otto Messmer
Deciphering the layers of Felix Tries for Treasure (1923) reveals the complex thematic architecture established by Otto Messmer. Utilizing a 1923-specific aesthetic that remains timeless, it stands as the definitive 1923 statement on Short identity.
In Felix Tries for Treasure, Otto Messmer 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 | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Otto Messmer's style and the core Short narrative.
Felix and his friend little Sammy Johnson are playing baseball when they discover a map that leads to the undersea treasure of Lizzie the Pirate Queen. Building their own submarine, they slip beneath the waves in search of the treasure, and meet up with a variety of undersea creatures, including the most dangerous of all--the loan shark.
Decades after its release, Felix Tries for Treasure remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Otto Messmer's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.