Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1935 Vision of Ub Iwerks
The artistic breakthrough represented by Simple Simon in 1935 highlights the uncompromising vision of Ub Iwerks that defines this Comedy masterpiece. In the context of United States's rich cinematic history, it captures a specific kind of cinematic magic that is rarely replicated.
In Simple Simon, Ub Iwerks 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 Simple Simon, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1935. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Ub Iwerks was at the forefront of this Comedy movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Ub Iwerks's style and the core Comedy narrative.
As in the nursery rhyme, Simple Simon meets a pieman on his way to the fair and samples his wares. However, when he makes no purchase, the pieman becomes angry, follows Simon to the fair, and makes his stay there miserable.
Decades after its release, Simple Simon remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Ub Iwerks's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.