Abel Gance and the End of Silent Cinema

Sounding out Utopia

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Music, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book Abel Gance and the End of Silent Cinema by Paul Cuff, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul Cuff ISBN: 9783319388182
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: November 10, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Paul Cuff
ISBN: 9783319388182
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: November 10, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book explores the creation and destruction of Abel Gance’s most ambitious film project, and seeks to explain why his meteoric career was so nearly extinguished at the end of silent cinema. By 1929, Gance was France’s most famous director. Acclaimed for his technical innovation and visual imagination, he was also admonished for the excessive length and expense of his productions. Gance’s first sound film, La Fin du Monde (1930), was a critical and financial disaster so great that it nearly destroyed his career. But what went wrong? Gance claimed it was commercial sabotage whilst critics blamed the director’s inexperience with new technology. Neither excuse is satisfactory. Based on extensive archival research, this book re-investigates the cultural background and aesthetic consequences of Gance’s transition from silent filmmaking to sound cinema. La Fin du Monde is revealed to be only one element of an extraordinary cultural project to transform cinema into a universal religion and propagate its power through the League of Nations. From unfinished films to unrealized social revolutions, the reader is given a fascinating tour of Gance’s lost cinematic utopia.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book explores the creation and destruction of Abel Gance’s most ambitious film project, and seeks to explain why his meteoric career was so nearly extinguished at the end of silent cinema. By 1929, Gance was France’s most famous director. Acclaimed for his technical innovation and visual imagination, he was also admonished for the excessive length and expense of his productions. Gance’s first sound film, La Fin du Monde (1930), was a critical and financial disaster so great that it nearly destroyed his career. But what went wrong? Gance claimed it was commercial sabotage whilst critics blamed the director’s inexperience with new technology. Neither excuse is satisfactory. Based on extensive archival research, this book re-investigates the cultural background and aesthetic consequences of Gance’s transition from silent filmmaking to sound cinema. La Fin du Monde is revealed to be only one element of an extraordinary cultural project to transform cinema into a universal religion and propagate its power through the League of Nations. From unfinished films to unrealized social revolutions, the reader is given a fascinating tour of Gance’s lost cinematic utopia.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Elementary Numerical Mathematics for Programmers and Engineers by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Urban Horticulture by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Ontologies of Nature by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book An Intelligent Customer Complaint Management System with Application to the Transport and Logistics Industry by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Tidal Streams in the Local Group and Beyond by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Multivariate Time Series Analysis in Climate and Environmental Research by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book New Knowledge in Information Systems and Technologies by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book 30th International Symposium on Shock Waves 2 by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Patentism Replacing Capitalism by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book The Consequences of Mobility by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Turnpike Phenomenon and Infinite Horizon Optimal Control by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Contemporary British Artists of African Descent and the Unburdening of a Generation by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Essential Techniques in Elbow Surgery by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Research Perspectives on Work and the Transition to Motherhood by Paul Cuff
Cover of the book Liberal Neutrality and State Support for Religion by Paul Cuff
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy