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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1920 Vision of Robert Ellis
The 1920 release of The Figurehead marked a significant moment for the enduring legacy of Robert Ellis's artistic contribution to the genre. By challenging the status quo of 1920 cinema, it has cemented its place in the global cult cinema archive.
In The Figurehead, Robert Ellis 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 | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Robert Ellis's style and the core Drama narrative.
In the city of Bolton, party politics are in the control of two men, Jim Durfee and Gordon Freeman, who intend to keep it that way by running a "figurehead" for mayor. They decide upon Sheridan Dows, known as "Sherry," a young society dilettante, who surprises the political bosses by taking his responsibilities seriously. Aided by Mary Forbes, a girl who works in the settlements, Sherry slowly gains popular support. Alarmed at the threat that he is beginning to pose, Durfee and Freeman plot to eliminate Sherry from the race by framing him in a compromising situation with Mary, but Sherry outwits them. That failing, Durfee plants scurrilous articles about Sherry in the paper, turning popular opinion against him until Mary persuades the paper's editor to refute the attacks. Regaining his popular support, Sherry wins both the election and Mary.
Decades after its release, The Figurehead remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Robert Ellis's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.