1927-28

The Passion of Joan of Arc (April 1928 - Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer)
Nominees: Sunrise, Steamboat Bill Jr., The Patsy, The Last Command, Underground, The Man Who Laughs, The Seashell and the Clergyman, Speedy, The Crowd

Oscars pick: Wings (also Sunrise)
Nominees: The Racket, Seventh Heaven (Also The Crowd, and Chang: A Drama in the Wilderness)

Originally the Academy didn't have a Best Picture winner, they had two: “Outstanding Picture” (Won by Wings) and “Unique and Artistic Production” (won by Sunrise). Later on, they changed it to a single feature and decided Wings best fit the criteria, which is why it is considered the Best Picture winner today. 

Though I didn't nominate it, Wings is actually a very good picture. A little soapy, but the aerial sequences are groundbreaking and breathtaking, and that dolly shot at the cafe is memorable. Harry Perry's camera work is beyond words. 

Speaking of incredible cinematography... at the top of the eligible films for this season (my adaptation of the Oscar model) were 2 works of genius: Sunrise and The Passion of Joan of Arc.

On Sunrise, a Song of Two Humans: Politicking was in full force, according to the book "Inside Oscar" by Wiley and Bona. Louis B Mayer disliked the realism of King Vidor’s The Crowd, so much that he pressured judges (who originally chose it as their winner) to select Sunrise instead. Right off the bat, the Academy makes a mockery of itself. Regardless, Sunrise is deserving of praise. F.W. Murnau’s tale of love betrayed, and love renewed is an amazing looking picture (the copy in the Murnau, Borzages and Fox box set includes an informative commentary track that details the cinematography and camera angles in worshipful tones). Many feel it’s the greatest film of the silent era.

Other 5-star features worthy of consideration were Asquith's Underground, Keaton’s Steamboat Bill Jr. and von Sternberg's The Last Command, a powerful film with powerful performances. 

But for me, the most amazing movie of them all is one that didn't earn a nomination, that's Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc. This silent classic was lost in a fire, not once, but twice. In the 80s a print was located in the closet of an insane asylum! Restored and reissued, it reveals itself as a work of high art. Dreyer used tight close-ups throughout, and his eye for space and composition is both astonishing and disconcerting. Disconcerting because Deyer breaks all the rules of camera work (see link below) - I can’t find adequate words to describe how fresh and exhilarating a viewing experience it was for me. Simply put, it’s a benchmark of experimental cinema.

Passion features stage star Maria Falconetti's lone appearance on film, and it’s one of the finest pieces of acting I've ever seen. There was a lot asked of the actress -what with all those close-ups- and she delivers.

Therefore, as much as I love Steamboat (and my other nominees), like Heaven (which won Frank Borzages the first Oscar for directing), respect Wings and wouldn't argue with anyone who would select the brilliant Sunrise as the top dog. Passion is my pick for the Felix.

Note: To read more insights on the movie, check out Matthew Dessem’s wonderful blog (in which he watches and reviews every Criterion release) http://criterioncollection.blogspot.com/2006/11/62-passion-of-joan-of-arc.html

Update: My thoughts on the Criterion Bluray

Best Actor: Emil Jannings, The Last Command 

Honorable Mentions:
Buster Keaton, Steamboat Bill Jr.  * Conrad Veidt, The Man Who Laughs * Paul Wegener, Alraune * Eugène Silvain, The Passion of Joan of Arc * William Powell, The Last Command (sup) * Charlie Chaplin, The Circus * Lon Chaney, Laugh, Clown, Laugh * John Barrymore, Tempest

Best Actress: Maria Falconetti, Passion of Joan of Arc (pictured top)
Honorable Mentions: 

Gloria Swanson, Sadie Thompson * Marion Davies, The Patsy * Norah Baring & Elissa Landi, Underground * Janet Gaynor, Sunrise, 7th Heaven & Street Angel * Brigitte Helm, Alraune * Viola Dana, That Certain Thing * Mabel Poulton, The Constant Nymph * Estelle Brody, Hindle Wakes * Eleanor Boardman, The Crowd

Supporting Actor: Lionel Barrymore, Sadie Thompson

Supporting Actress: Evelyn Brent, The Last Command (pictured above - also, Underworld)







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