Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of Roy Del Ruth
As we revisit the 1924 masterpiece Smile Please, we are struck by the atmospheric immersion that Roy Del Ruth achieves throughout Smile Please. Exploring the nuances of the human condition with Comedy flair, it solidifies Roy Del Ruth's reputation as a master of the craft.
In Smile Please, Roy Del Ruth 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.
To fully appreciate Smile Please, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1924. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Roy Del Ruth was at the forefront of this Comedy movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Invisible |
| Art Direction | Kitsch |
Visualizing the convergence of Roy Del Ruth's style and the core Comedy narrative.
As both the local photographer and the sheriff, Harry must track down an arsonist and deal with his un-photogenic in-laws.
Decades after its release, Smile Please remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Roy Del Ruth's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.