Marie Antoinette (1938) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch

on
  Marie Antoinette (1938) Review: The Good, The Bad & How to Watch  American Film, Drama, History Venice Film Festival, 1938- Winner: Best Actress Academy Awards, 1939- 4 nominations including: Best Actress in a Leading Role When Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer poured an astronomical budget into bringing the doomed French queen to the silver screen in nineteen thirty-eight, Hollywood was not merely making a movie; it was constructing an entire vanished world. Directed primarily by W. S. Van Dyke, Marie Antoinette stands today as one of the ultimate monuments to the golden age of American cinema, a sprawling historical epic that blends lavish romance with the looming terror of the French Revolution.  More on Wikipedia or Mubi  Cinematic Splendor and Tragedy in Hollywood's 1938 Marie Antoinette  At the heart of the production is Norma Shearer, reigning royalty of the studio lot and widow of legendary producer Irving Thalberg, who had passionately championed the pr...
0

Highlights of the second Cannes Film Festival, 1947

on

 

The 2nd Cannes Film Festival took place from September 12 to 25, 1947, in Cannes, France. It was a significant event in the history of cinema, especially as it was one of the first major international cultural gatherings after World War II. Here are some highlights:

1. Post-War Revival:

  • The festival symbolized the revival of global cinema and cultural exchange after the devastation of World War II. It was a celebration of art and creativity, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from around the world.

2. Expanded Scope:

  • Unlike the first edition (which was canceled in 1939 due to the war), the 1947 festival was larger in scale, with more countries participating and a greater number of films showcased.

3. International Participation:

  • Films from 16 countries were presented, reflecting the festival's growing international appeal. This included entries from the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, among others.

4. No Official Competition:

  • Unlike later editions, the 1947 festival did not have a formal competition or awards. Instead, it focused on showcasing films and fostering cultural exchange.

5. Notable Films:

  • Several iconic films were screened, including:

    • "Les Maudits" (The Damned) by René Clément (France)

    • "Sciuscià" (Shoeshine) by Vittorio De Sica (Italy)

    • "The Bishop's Wife" by Henry Koster (USA)

    • "La Symphonie Pastorale" by Jean Delannoy (France)

6. Focus on Humanism:

  • Many films reflected themes of humanism, resilience, and the aftermath of war, resonating with the global mood of the time.

7. Cultural Exchange:

  • The festival served as a platform for filmmakers and artists to share ideas and experiences, fostering collaboration and understanding across borders.

8. Venue and Atmosphere:

  • The festival was held at the Casino Municipal in Cannes, and the glamorous Riviera setting helped establish Cannes as a premier destination for cinema and culture.

9. Foundation for Future Success:

  • The 1947 edition laid the groundwork for the Cannes Film Festival to become one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world.

The 2nd Cannes Film Festival was a landmark event that helped cement the festival's reputation as a global celebration of cinema and a beacon of cultural diplomacy.

Comments

Post a Comment