Herr Segundo de Chomón was undoubtedly one of the most important figures during the early silent film period though not very well known; happily, in recent years, he has received some of the recognition that he deserves. He was a master and pioneer in the advancement of special effects and colouring, a genuine silent magician who developed and created incredible techniques that sometimes brought extraordinary creatures to life and startled audiences as well as enchanting them with his craftsmanship and use of colour.
"L'Araignée d'or" ( The Golden Spider ) (1909) is an excellent example of Herr Chomón's artistry and genius, a short film that tells a fantastic and delightful story wherein a lumberjack, who shares his strange adventure with the audience by looking directly into the camera, follows four gnomes during their peculiar stroll through the forest. In a pond of water, the gnomes pick up a golden spider who has special and profit making abilities. They take him to their cave where this talented insect weaves gold ingots that can be cut up into pieces, gold coins that are even minted!.
Herr Chomón's mastery of camera tricks meshes smoothly with his colouring techniques; in "L'Araignée d'or" the use of stencil coloured images gives fantastic colours in accordance with the fairy tale spirit that permeates the picture, colouring techniques that Herr Chomón, together with his wife, Frau Julienne Matthieu refined through the years and finally patented as "Pathécolour"( "Pathé", of course was the French silent company managed by the Pathé brothers for whom Herr Chomón worked during his French period).
So, don't miss a minute of this beautiful fable where strange creatures and skillful insects from ancient times come to life before your commoner eyes thanks to the magic of Herr Chomón.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must order his servants to clear out the many unproductive cobwebs in the Schloss.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com