Silent films have fascinated me for quite some time now and there are some truly fine ones, some revolutionary technically or in terms of subject. Not all are great and one can see why a few, with one notable example, are notorious. The best of DW Griffith's work is among the best, and Griffith gets more interesting as a director the more that has been seen of his (short and feature films). We also have Griffith regular Lillian Gish, among the greatest silent film actresses, in the lead role.
'True Heart Susie' is worthy of more attention but it is lovely to see others here fond of it as well. As far as Griffith films go, it is towards the top. It isn't one of his most important or revolutionary, and it is not one of the most influential silent films out there, but for sheer charm, elegant simplicity and emotion 'True Heart Susie' fits the bill more than excellently. In its own way, to me it is a wonderful film and one of my standout recent film viewings and that's meant in the best of ways.
It is a lovely looking film, just love the intimacy of the camera work that was also very accomodating to the actors (especially Gish) and how varied the atmosphere created is. The editing is also remarkably fluid and succinct. Griffith's direction is understated but never dull, it's been more unique in other films of his but you can still tell that there is a solid master of his craft here.
Furthermore, the story is beautifully handled. It's slight but this is a case of slight never mattering, with some other films it does matter but is dependent on how everything else is executed and how the rest of the story fares otherwise. Because the story in 'True Heart Susie' grabs from the get go and is always involving. It also is immensely charming and has a big heart that allows for some subtly poignant moments. Also thought that the characters were interesting and easy to relate to, amazing considering that on paper they do sound very one-dimensional (even the name of the titular character is a give away) and ones that one can get frustrated by.
Not the case surprisingly here. It is not easy making virtuous characters and vampish ones complex. It is easy for the former to be very passive and lacking in personality and it is also easy to make the latter annoying and overdone. Remarkably 'True Heart Susie' avoids both, as the titular character is easy to root for and Bettina provides some welcome levity.
Gish's role fits her and her acting style like the smoothest pair of gloves, she was a very beguiling actress and so easy to be touched by and this is another performance of hers that is deeply felt and charming. Clarine Seymour is a real scene stealer and is very amusing yet never overacts. It is easy to overlook Robert Harron, with a not as interesting character but actually he gives a very sensitive and nuanced turn that doesn't feel bland at all. Love the well balanced chemistry between him and Gish.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10
'True Heart Susie' is worthy of more attention but it is lovely to see others here fond of it as well. As far as Griffith films go, it is towards the top. It isn't one of his most important or revolutionary, and it is not one of the most influential silent films out there, but for sheer charm, elegant simplicity and emotion 'True Heart Susie' fits the bill more than excellently. In its own way, to me it is a wonderful film and one of my standout recent film viewings and that's meant in the best of ways.
It is a lovely looking film, just love the intimacy of the camera work that was also very accomodating to the actors (especially Gish) and how varied the atmosphere created is. The editing is also remarkably fluid and succinct. Griffith's direction is understated but never dull, it's been more unique in other films of his but you can still tell that there is a solid master of his craft here.
Furthermore, the story is beautifully handled. It's slight but this is a case of slight never mattering, with some other films it does matter but is dependent on how everything else is executed and how the rest of the story fares otherwise. Because the story in 'True Heart Susie' grabs from the get go and is always involving. It also is immensely charming and has a big heart that allows for some subtly poignant moments. Also thought that the characters were interesting and easy to relate to, amazing considering that on paper they do sound very one-dimensional (even the name of the titular character is a give away) and ones that one can get frustrated by.
Not the case surprisingly here. It is not easy making virtuous characters and vampish ones complex. It is easy for the former to be very passive and lacking in personality and it is also easy to make the latter annoying and overdone. Remarkably 'True Heart Susie' avoids both, as the titular character is easy to root for and Bettina provides some welcome levity.
Gish's role fits her and her acting style like the smoothest pair of gloves, she was a very beguiling actress and so easy to be touched by and this is another performance of hers that is deeply felt and charming. Clarine Seymour is a real scene stealer and is very amusing yet never overacts. It is easy to overlook Robert Harron, with a not as interesting character but actually he gives a very sensitive and nuanced turn that doesn't feel bland at all. Love the well balanced chemistry between him and Gish.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10