DbcultAccessing Vault...
Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1929 Vision of Roland West
In the storied career of Roland West, Alibi stands as a the atmospheric immersion that Roland West achieves throughout Alibi. Reflecting the political and social shifts of the 1929s, it reinforces the idea that cinema is a medium of infinite possibilities.
In Alibi, Roland West 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.
While deeply rooted in United States, Alibi has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Romance tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1929 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Roland West's style and the core Romance narrative.
Chick Williams, a prohibition gangster, rejoins his mob soon after being released from prison. When a policeman is murdered during a robbery, he falls under suspicion. The gangster took Joan, a policeman's daughter, to the theater, sneaked out during the intermission to commit the crime, then used her to support his alibi. The detective squad employs its most sophisticated and barbaric techniques, including planting an undercover agent in the gang, to bring him to justice.
Decades after its release, Alibi remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Roland West's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.