With all the technological advances in the motion picture industry over the past few decades, you might wonder why anyone would bother paying attention to the rudimentary origins of film — silent pictures.
Today’s movies are filled with such incredible visuals and such rich soundtracks. One might be tempted to view them as nothing more than whimsical historical curiosities. Why would anyone pay attention to a film where you can’t even hear the actors speak?
Poster of Fritz Lang’s 1927 film.
Silent film fans are making more and more noise about the genre, however. Here in the north state, residents have a fabulous opportunity to experience silent film at its best. The Shasta Arts Council Third Annual Silent Film Festival, featuring renowned silent film expert David Shepard, takes place on Oct. 24-25 at Old City Hall (1313 Market St.) in Redding.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, silent filmmakers didn’t have the benefit of today’s computers and editing software, but they did have an eye for film. Many also knew the importance of a great story and how to hold suspense.
Many of the themes and techniques pioneered in silent films remain important components of modern movies.
“The messages are being repeated in today’s films,” said festival organizer Frank Treadway. “The pioneers laid it all out. They’ve remade many of these films over and over. In many cases, the silent version remains the best.”
Only 10 percent of all the silent films that were made have been found and restored. Treadway said fans also appreciate the painstaking work that goes into restoration, a job that has made the Emmy-winning Shepard, who resides in Hat Creek, a leading figure in the industry.
Shepard will roll 16 mm original films and speak to the audience during the festival. In addition, Berkeley pianist Frederick Hodges will provide live accompaniment and area actors John Truitt, Tammy Jones and Stacie Luann will speak the roles for the film “Peter Pan,” which shows at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 (a Saturday).
The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 (Friday) with Fritz Lang’s forward-looking 1927 sci-fi film “Metropolis.” A short film, “The Impossible Voyage,” will precede the main feature.
Buster Keaton and Sybil Seeley star in “The Boat.”
The festival continues the next day with a series of slapstick comedies at 10 a.m.; “Peter Pan” at 12:30 p.m.; the comedy-drama “Are Parents People?” at 2:30 p.m.; a series of films made by Le Grand Melies (from as early as 1896) at 4 p.m.; and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1929 thriller “Blackmail” at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $8 in advance (for each film segment) and $10 at the door. An all-festival pass may be purchased for $35. For more information, click here.
