I hope you enjoyed this one! There is just something so fascinating about silent films and seeing one just like they did in the old days was an amazing experience. Do you have a favourite silent film? If you've never seen one, and have no idea where to start - this is my go-to recommendation - twitter.com/tonivgenov/status/1492163028921499654 How's that for a cheeky plug of my twitter? But for real, if you are on twitter, feel free to follow me there for some cool movie stuff and bad jokes, of course. Also, I have a lot more videos in the works, but they do take quite a while to make, so if you enjoy things like that, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss them when they come out. I really appreciate it! - Toni
My favorite has to be The Unknown (1927). Not any sort of breakthrough or revolutionary film, but idk there's just something about that year because Wings is another favorite. Lon Chaney reminds me a lot of Andy Serkis--both handsome insanely talented men with the gift to just transform themselves, but are still incredibly captivating mask-off too. As Alonzo the Armless, Lon's performance really pulled me in, there was this balance of silent-era theatrics and naturalism and he made this sinister role so haunting and somewhat sympathetic. The other actors were fantastic too and didn't feel at all out of place next to Lon (except maybe the love rival but I think his naiveté and showboaty-ness works for that). The genres of crime, romance, suspense, and most of all psychological horror all blend so well into a gothic story. And of course the soundtrack is distinctly and appropriately eerie. Like I mentioned, Wings is another favorite, but a total opposite. Simple, fun, a bit sacrine at times, but it shed its lighthearted tone near the end. It felt strangely modern in how much it used tropes that endure to today, and how much it relished in spectacle--airborne action setpieces, impressive stuntwork, that iconic tracking shot, and a nip slip. Clara Bow won my heart as Mary. Dave was such a sweet guy and a good friend (if a bit melodramatic) and he deserved better. Jack was just the worst--he alone kept that movie from being my favorite.
@@jordanjoestar-turniptruck Thank you for such a detailed comment. I've seen Wings but The Unknown had somehow slipped under my radar so it will definitely be on my watch list now. Very interesting to hear your thoughts about the actors too, made me want to watch it straight away!
@@TonisFilmClub 'All Quiet on the Western Front' - get the Universal's 100 year anniversary Bluray release - it contains the two versions. This film was made in 1930 on the cusp of sound-on-film and was released in two versions - the non-synced version for theatres that had not converted to sound yet. Beautiful restoration from 35mm - probably THE most powerful statement against war ever made. At least up there with Thin Red Line, Apocalypse, FMJ. I've screened All Quiet on 35mm and also Wings on 35mm with an orchestral backing track off reel to reel tape! Both prints sadly junked now.
My favourite silent movie will be Metropolis. I hope to see this one with live music one day. One week ago we went to see the Cinematic Orchestra's version of Man with a Movie Camera. But it was more a visual experiment than actually screening the movie. Not what we expected. But well, Metropolis! Soon I hope!
I did get to experience seeing a silent movie in a theater one time. It was Steamboat Bill Jr. And there was a jazz band who provided the music for the movie.
When I was a kid, there was (I stress was) a pizza place called the Organ Grinder in the Lents Neighborhood of Southeast Portland, Oregon, USA. The main attraction (besides the food, of course) was this ginormous Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that also had switches that allowed the organist to play percussion instruments a level above the floor where the organ was located. Now here’s the point connected to the video: At the end of the organist’s set (usually about 45 minutes), he would lower a movie screen, the room would darken, and we were privileged to see one of the old Mack Sennett/Keystone comedies, complete with organ accompaniment. Cherished moments of my childhood.
I was completely sucked into this and I don't even like silent movies. Amazing work man, you even met with that lovely man. Was shocked to see you only have 700 subs but you earned mine
That's some high praise, thank you so much! Especially nice to hear that you aren't even into silent films but it gave you some new appreciation for them :) Thanks for the subscription - it really means a lot for small RUclipsrs. I hope you stick around for the journey - a lot of exciting projects in the works!
@@TonisFilmClub I'm already binge watching your other videos! Keep bringing them up. Also, if you have a letterboxd profile or similar where you rate movies just let me know
Ahh - the pacing and editing is great! Loved the entire intro :) Really cool to see the way sound effects are also added. As a piano player myself, this was super impressive!
Thank you! It gave me a whole new appreciation not just for silent films, but piano music as well! It is really difficult, but it looks so effortless at the same time. Happy you enjoyed it!
It is an art in itself, accompanying films with live music. The ultimate was theatres that used to have either a full orchestra (such as the mammoth 3000+ seat movie houses of the early era that were so busy they could afford this) or second best was a genuine WurliTzer theatre organ that was designed to cut the cost of live orchestras by being able to reproduce, mechanically via wind-driven means, most of the instruments of a large orchestra. A few of these original instruments still exist around the world, but they are rarely played to their full potential.
Great historical video. I've always wanted to learn something interesting not only about new films, but also about old ones, because they have a huge impact on the cinema of our time. Besides, the interview idea is really cool. You make amazing videos. I hope that you will be able to implement all your ideas for the video 🎞👏👍
I gotta ask man, how do you bring such a passion for cinema into real life? I don’t have anything to do with it but have spent years and years and years learning about cinema and watching film’s - I am way too poor to make one, and live on an Island with not the best reputation for art, i have the money to fly somewhere else, but yeah idk - idk how to get involved in filmmaking at all.
Trust me - I get it. I think you've already checked the first and most important box - having the passion for it. Then, as long as you have a phone and internet connection - you can make something and put it out for the world to see. Things can happen!
I hope you enjoyed this one! There is just something so fascinating about silent films and seeing one just like they did in the old days was an amazing experience. Do you have a favourite silent film? If you've never seen one, and have no idea where to start - this is my go-to recommendation - twitter.com/tonivgenov/status/1492163028921499654
How's that for a cheeky plug of my twitter? But for real, if you are on twitter, feel free to follow me there for some cool movie stuff and bad jokes, of course.
Also, I have a lot more videos in the works, but they do take quite a while to make, so if you enjoy things like that, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss them when they come out. I really appreciate it!
- Toni
My favorite has to be The Unknown (1927). Not any sort of breakthrough or revolutionary film, but idk there's just something about that year because Wings is another favorite. Lon Chaney reminds me a lot of Andy Serkis--both handsome insanely talented men with the gift to just transform themselves, but are still incredibly captivating mask-off too. As Alonzo the Armless, Lon's performance really pulled me in, there was this balance of silent-era theatrics and naturalism and he made this sinister role so haunting and somewhat sympathetic. The other actors were fantastic too and didn't feel at all out of place next to Lon (except maybe the love rival but I think his naiveté and showboaty-ness works for that). The genres of crime, romance, suspense, and most of all psychological horror all blend so well into a gothic story. And of course the soundtrack is distinctly and appropriately eerie.
Like I mentioned, Wings is another favorite, but a total opposite. Simple, fun, a bit sacrine at times, but it shed its lighthearted tone near the end. It felt strangely modern in how much it used tropes that endure to today, and how much it relished in spectacle--airborne action setpieces, impressive stuntwork, that iconic tracking shot, and a nip slip. Clara Bow won my heart as Mary. Dave was such a sweet guy and a good friend (if a bit melodramatic) and he deserved better. Jack was just the worst--he alone kept that movie from being my favorite.
@@jordanjoestar-turniptruck Thank you for such a detailed comment. I've seen Wings but The Unknown had somehow slipped under my radar so it will definitely be on my watch list now. Very interesting to hear your thoughts about the actors too, made me want to watch it straight away!
@@TonisFilmClub 'All Quiet on the Western Front' - get the Universal's 100 year anniversary Bluray release - it contains the two versions. This film was made in 1930 on the cusp of sound-on-film and was released in two versions - the non-synced version for theatres that had not converted to sound yet. Beautiful restoration from 35mm - probably THE most powerful statement against war ever made. At least up there with Thin Red Line, Apocalypse, FMJ. I've screened All Quiet on 35mm and also Wings on 35mm with an orchestral backing track off reel to reel tape! Both prints sadly junked now.
My favourite silent movie will be Metropolis. I hope to see this one with live music one day. One week ago we went to see the Cinematic Orchestra's version of Man with a Movie Camera. But it was more a visual experiment than actually screening the movie. Not what we expected. But well, Metropolis! Soon I hope!
I am 70 years old. Buster Keaton has been my hero all my life.
His art is truly timeless!
It's really interesting how silent films are still preserved. Loved the video.
I did get to experience seeing a silent movie in a theater one time. It was Steamboat Bill Jr. And there was a jazz band who provided the music for the movie.
Sounds great with a whole jazz band!
When I was a kid, there was (I stress was) a pizza place called the Organ Grinder in the Lents Neighborhood of Southeast Portland, Oregon, USA. The main attraction (besides the food, of course) was this ginormous Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that also had switches that allowed the organist to play percussion instruments a level above the floor where the organ was located.
Now here’s the point connected to the video: At the end of the organist’s set (usually about 45 minutes), he would lower a movie screen, the room would darken, and we were privileged to see one of the old Mack Sennett/Keystone comedies, complete with organ accompaniment. Cherished moments of my childhood.
Pizza, movies and live music? That sounds lovely.
I was completely sucked into this and I don't even like silent movies. Amazing work man, you even met with that lovely man. Was shocked to see you only have 700 subs but you earned mine
That's some high praise, thank you so much! Especially nice to hear that you aren't even into silent films but it gave you some new appreciation for them :)
Thanks for the subscription - it really means a lot for small RUclipsrs. I hope you stick around for the journey - a lot of exciting projects in the works!
@@TonisFilmClub I'm already binge watching your other videos! Keep bringing them up. Also, if you have a letterboxd profile or similar where you rate movies just let me know
@@2xclaudio31 Thank you so much! I actually do - it's Toni V. Genov and it's long overdue I start using it regularly. Maybe now it's the time!
Ahh - the pacing and editing is great! Loved the entire intro :) Really cool to see the way sound effects are also added. As a piano player myself, this was super impressive!
Thank you! It gave me a whole new appreciation not just for silent films, but piano music as well! It is really difficult, but it looks so effortless at the same time. Happy you enjoyed it!
It is an art in itself, accompanying films with live music. The ultimate was theatres that used to have either a full orchestra (such as the mammoth 3000+ seat movie houses of the early era that were so busy they could afford this) or second best was a genuine WurliTzer theatre organ that was designed to cut the cost of live orchestras by being able to reproduce, mechanically via wind-driven means, most of the instruments of a large orchestra. A few of these original instruments still exist around the world, but they are rarely played to their full potential.
Thank you for sharing this ! Buster Keaton is my hero and I love Sherlock Jr., such a beautiful film ! I LOVE silent films 🖤
You are every much welcome, happy every time I see a fellow Keaton fan around!
This is a really well made video!
Thank you so much!
Another great video Toni!!! I think this is your way to make videos! Keep doing them and we will watch!
Thank you! It took a while to find my voice, but I'm really excited about where this is heading!
Music adds a element to the movie either comedy or drama.
True!
Really skilled pianist!
This was really interesting to watch. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! I hope you stick around and check out the other videos!
This is how you save the movie theater
Great historical video. I've always wanted to learn something interesting not only about new films, but also about old ones, because they have a huge impact on the cinema of our time. Besides, the interview idea is really cool. You make amazing videos. I hope that you will be able to implement all your ideas for the video 🎞👏👍
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it! I sure do have a lot of ideas and videos in the works, so I hope you stick around for them!
I gotta ask man, how do you bring such a passion for cinema into real life? I don’t have anything to do with it but have spent years and years and years learning about cinema and watching film’s - I am way too poor to make one, and live on an Island with not the best reputation for art, i have the money to fly somewhere else, but yeah idk - idk how to get involved in filmmaking at all.
Trust me - I get it. I think you've already checked the first and most important box - having the passion for it. Then, as long as you have a phone and internet connection - you can make something and put it out for the world to see. Things can happen!
Hey! Your videos ara amazing!! Please, keep going!
Thank you! I am just in the middle of making the next one so this comment came just at the right time!
I wonder how Morden day movies look like as silent movies.
My studio make silent films and nice video.
you're about to blow up
If you end up being right, you can consider yourself an OG!