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Director's Spotlight
Archivist John
Senior Editor
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1917 Vision of Perry N. Vekroff
Few works in United States cinema carry the same weight as The More Excellent Way, especially regarding the technical innovation that Perry N. Vekroff introduced to the cult format. Subverting the expectations of the typical 1917 audience, it bridges the gap between traditional cult and contemporary vision.
In The More Excellent Way, Perry N. Vekroff 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 | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Perry N. Vekroff's style and the core cult narrative.
Chrissey Desselden, the ward of John Warburton, promises to marry him. Opposed to him is Robert Neyland, but he is not worthy of Chrissey's love. The girl, however, is fascinated by him, and not until his misconduct dismays her does she turn from him to John. After the wedding she recoils from her situation and pleads with her husband to treat her still as a child until she knows her own heart. This he consents to do. Meantime Neyland goes quickly to the bottom of the social ladder, but despite this Chrissey decides she loves him. With Warburton's consent she outrages her marriage vow by going to Reno to secure a divorce, Neyland remaining to plot against Warburton to ruin him financially. To effect this he needs money from Chrissey, which she wires him permission to use. However, she learns at the last moment what a treacherous purpose he plans with it. She throws over Neyland, who, through a culmination of other troubles, does the one graceful deed of his life by ending it. She returns to Warburton to be his wife in fact.
Decades after its release, The More Excellent Way remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Perry N. Vekroff's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.