Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1932 Vision of William A. Seiter
In the storied career of William A. Seiter, Is My Face Red? stands as a the provocative questions that William A. Seiter poses to the United States audience. Elevating the source material through William A. Seiter's unique vision, it persists as a haunting reminder of our own cinematic history.
In Is My Face Red?, William A. Seiter 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, Is My Face Red? has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Action tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1932 release.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of William A. Seiter's style and the core Action narrative.
Poster writes a gossip column for the Morning Gazette. He will write about anyone and everyone as long as he gets the credit. He gets most of his information from his gal, Peggy who is a showgirl. When Bill sees Tony stab Angelo Spinelli to death in a speak easy, he puts it front page of the Gazette. But on the night that he goes out with heiress Mildred, he slips the diamond that came from Peggy's finger on Mildred's finger and announces his engagement - while tattling about her friends in his column. This gets him in dutch with Mildred and Peggy. At the same time, the cops cannot find Tony, but Tony is looking for Poster to thank him for the publicity.
Decades after its release, Is My Face Red? remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying William A. Seiter's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.