DbcultAccessing Vault...
6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Song of a Nation remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, only if you are a massive fan of 1930s short films or you really, really need a nap. If you like your history served with a side of over-the-top patriotism and zero nuance, you will probably be just fine. If you prefer your movies to have, you know, actual life, you might want to skip this one.
The whole thing is basically a slow march toward the moment the guy writes the song. You spend most of the time waiting for him to finally get to the point. It reminds me a bit of the pacing issues in The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, though at least that had a bit more mystery to it.
The sets feel like cardboard. I swear, at one point in the background, a tree looks like it was cut out by a toddler with safety scissors. It’s charming in a weird way, I guess? But it makes it hard to take the whole "war is happening outside" thing seriously.
The acting is very… loud. Everyone projects their lines like they are performing at the back of a stadium without a microphone. It reminded me of some of the older stuff like The Cradle of Courage, where everyone is just so earnest about everything.
There is a scene near the middle where they talk about the flag for what feels like an hour. My brain started to wander off to the kitchen to find snacks. It’s funny how movies from this era just assume you want to hear every single word of a debate, no matter how dry it is.
I wouldn't call this a total disaster. It’s just very… very old-fashioned. If you compare this to the kinetic energy in something like Big Business Girl, it feels like it is moving through molasses. But hey, it’s short. You can get through it before you realize you’re bored.
I probably won't watch it again. But it’s a weird little footnote in film history. I’m just glad I didn't have to write a test on it afterward. 🚩
