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5.9/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 5.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Circus: Premiere remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, let's be real. "The Circus: Premiere" isn't a movie in the usual sense. It's a silent newsreel, a quick little time capsule from 1928. If you're a history buff, a big fan of old Hollywood, or just curious about what a *real* film premiere looked like a century ago, then yeah, this is absolutely worth your time. 🕰️
If you're looking for snappy dialogue, a complex plot, or anything that moves faster than a hand-cranked camera, you'll probably find this a bit slow. But for those of us who love to just soak in the past, it's a truly charming, unvarnished look.
The whole thing feels so immediate, like you're standing right there in the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse. You just see these huge, clunky film cameras, all set up, ready to capture the moment. It’s a very different vibe from today’s red carpets, for sure.
And then there's Charlie Chaplin. You see him, with that signature walk, that little wave. Even without sound, his charisma just leaps off the screen. He just has *it*, you know? It’s still Charlie, even when he’s just walking and posing.
It’s wild seeing Jackie Coogan there, too. Not the little kid from The Kid anymore, but still so young, still got that recognizable face. He looks a bit more grown up, hanging out with the other stars.
John Barrymore makes an appearance, looking very dapper and serious. And Alice Day, all smiles for the cameras. It's a quick parade of the era's big names, all dressed up and enjoying the spotlight.
The silence, oddly enough, makes you pay *more* attention. You notice the gestures, the way someone shifts their weight, a quick glance. It pulls you into their world in a strange, intimate way.
You can almost hear the buzz, the whispers from the crowd, the *clunk* of those old film cameras, even though it's utterly silent. Your imagination fills in the gaps, which is pretty cool. ✨
One cameraman, in particular, is really cranking away. It looks like hard work, not just pressing a button and hoping for the best. It gives you a real appreciation for the effort behind early filmmaking.
It’s just a few minutes long, this newsreel. It’s over almost as soon as it begins. But for that brief spell, you’re transported, witnessing a moment of Hollywood history unfold, raw and unfiltered.
IMDb —
1924
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