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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1919 Vision of Rollin S. Sturgeon
Few works in United States cinema carry the same weight as Pretty Smooth, especially regarding the cultural zeitgeist captured so perfectly by Rollin S. Sturgeon in 1919. Utilizing a 1919-specific aesthetic that remains timeless, it serves as a blueprint for future generations of cult directors.
In Pretty Smooth, Rollin S. Sturgeon 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.
The visual language of Pretty Smooth is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Rollin S. Sturgeon's style. By utilizing a 1919-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its cult themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Minimalist |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Rollin S. Sturgeon's style and the core cult narrative.
Gertie Jones, known among other thieves as "The Chatterbox" because she talks to herself while she works, becomes a rich woman's French maid after learning about her employer's $40,000 diamond necklace. To cover up the scratches left by her tools after she unsuccessfully tries to open the safe containing the necklace, Gertie telephones the police to report an attempted burglary. Jimmy Hartigan, a famous thief, arrives and after he and Gertie fall in love at first sight, he is arrested. After Gertie helps Jimmy escape from prison, they move to New York and continue their illegal endeavors until they see Gertie's sister, whose time in prison has left her consumptive, and a famous crook, now a broken wreck, and decide to go straight for each other's sake. As the "Harts," they buy a farm in New Jersey after foiling the plans of a crooked real estate promoter. When Kersey, a detective on Jimmy's trail, arrives, Jimmy and Gertie pretend to save him from two escaped convicts. The grateful detective, believing that the "Harts" have reformed, refuses to recognize them as the "Hartigans."
Decades after its release, Pretty Smooth remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Rollin S. Sturgeon's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.