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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1918 Vision of William Bertram
The enduring fascination with Winning Grandma is a testament to the artistic risks taken by William Bertram that eventually paid off. Challenging the viewer to find meaning in the cult shadows, it reminds us of the fragility and beauty of the 1918s.
In Winning Grandma, William Bertram 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 Winning Grandma, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1918. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and William Bertram was at the forefront of this cult movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | High-Contrast |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of William Bertram's style and the core cult narrative.
Mrs. Jasper Reading, an old woman whose concern for wealth has turned her heart to stone, turns her eldest son out of the house for no apparent reason and orders her youngest son Will to assume the management of her estate. Not without trepidation, Will installs his wife and little daughter Marie in his mother's house, but the old woman soon expresses her disapproval of both of them. Just as Mrs. Reading's heart is beginning to soften toward the charming little girl, Luther Parrish, who wishes to gain control of the Reading estate, convinces Will that his wife has betrayed him. Heartbroken, she departs with Marie, but Mrs. Reading soon misses the child and visits her to ask for forgiveness. Meanwhile, Will discovers Luther's dishonesty, and the entire family is reunited.
Decades after its release, Winning Grandma remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying William Bertram's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.