🎥 Review: Lonesome (1928)

“In the whirlpool of modern life — The most difficult thing is to live alone”

Today is Silent Film Day, and I'm excited to share my new favorite silent film with you!

Describing my newfound love for the movie Lonesome (1928) by Hungarian-American director Paul Fejos, I can't help but use simple, charming, lovely, exquisite, and romantically sublime words. This film really knows how to nail the feeling of love at first sight, it had me totally swooning.The story takes place on July 3 in NYC, where two lonely souls living in boardinghouse rooms navigate their daily lives in the bustling city.

He toils as a machinist while she's a telephone switchboard operator, both yearning for something more than their mundane routines.

As the holiday weekend approaches, they find themselves grappling with how to spend their time when their plans fall through. Upon hearing a live band promoting that evening's carnival,

“There’s nothing like the hurly-burly of a carnival to help recover from the stress of daily routine.”, they both independently decide that Coney Island is the perfect getaway to break free from their daily grind.

On their journey, they unexpectedly cross paths, and Jim (Glenn Tryon) is immediately captivated by Mary (Barbara Kent). After winning her affection, they enjoy a day filled with rides, games, and blossoming romance at the beach.

"I see riches, travel, pretty clothes and marriage with a dark handsome young man- he'll make you happy miss."

However, a roller coaster accident separates them, and without knowing each other's last names or addresses, they are left heartbroken and desperate to reunite. Lonesome captures the intense longing of these two lovers as they search for one another amidst the bustling crowds of Coney Island. Will they find each other again?

Barbara Kent shines on screen with her infectious smile, showcasing honest vulnerability in her performance. Meanwhile, Glenn Tryon adds a comedic touch as an ordinary man afraid of missing out on his chance at happiness. Together, they create a dynamic and engaging on-screen duo.

From the vibrant color-tinted shots at the beach and dance hall, to the creative edits like a Roman numeral clock overlaying job scenes, every frame is a work of art. This early "part-talkie" film seamlessly transitions between silent intertitles and audible dialogue, keeping you engaged throughout.

Director Fejos's attention to detail, from hand-tinted sequences to long camera takes, brings the characters' lives to vivid life. The film boasts stunning cinematography that features a dazzling array of techniques, including superimposition effects, innovative editing, dynamic camera movements, and exhilarating roller-coaster shots. It employs fast motion, extended one-shot scenes, split screens, intricate model work, mesmerizing double-and triple-exposures, breathtaking matte paintings, as well as both hand-held and dolly shots.

Initially conceived by the studio as a short film with a three-page outline, Lonesome was transformed into a feature-length production by Fejös. The studio insisted on adding three dialogue scenes to the film that Fejos did not originally direct. These scenes had simple dialogue and a stationary camera, all in the name of attracting more viewers. Plus, the sound design prominently featured Irving Berlin's "Always."

It was released mainly in a sound version. The silent version was mostly shown in theaters that hadn't switched to sound yet, like those in rural areas that couldn't afford the upgrade. Some original prints of the film have scenes colored with purple stencils. When it was ready for a wider release, Lonesome included a synchronized soundtrack featuring music, sound effects, and three dialogue scenes. The studio marketed the film as a sound production.

In 2010, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".The film was released on Blu-ray disc and DVD on August 28, 2012, as part of the Criterion Collection.

Fejos who was also an explorer, screenwriter, anthropologist, and doctor created a film that left me in awe. I couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty of love found and creativity of this visually stunning film.

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