Chapaev (1934)

Being the first film with sound we have watched in a while, Chapaev was a bit refreshing. I felt like my mind could sort of relax and enjoy the film (especially following the montage that is Man with a Movie Camera haha). 

The first few comments I would like to add have to do with the difference between the Reds and the Whites. The first thing I noticed was the sheer difference in wealth and appearance, the Whites seeming very 'pampered'. From their headquarters to their uniforms, there was a visibly noticeable difference in the quality of their clothing, furniture, etc. Another thing to note about the two sides is that they were both stealing from innocent townspeople (although the man was quickly rebuked for stealing the pig). Although this is states, the Whites are clearly portrayed as the bad guys in the film. 

Moving onto comments about the cinematography, there were a few things I noticed in particular. The most notable was perhaps the impressive battle scene on horses at night, and that they were able to execute appropriate lighting, sound, etc. The footsteps of the horses always were something that stood out to me. However, when comparing this film to the previous silent films, I almost feel like there was less thought put into the various camera angles and scenes. The silent films always seemed to possess so much symbolism, geometry, unique angles, etc, yet in this film it felt more like watching a modern day film (and perhaps less of an 'art'). 

Finally, there was an interesting quote that I think is worth repeating. Right before the main standoff a small boy asked the captured prisoner as to why men would give their lives up. Although my wording isn't 100% accurate, the response was along the lines of "people go to death for their life" because everyone wants to live a good life. How interesting this quote really is, and how ironic it is that you have to give up your life to find it. A verse in the bible that I really like is I think echoed slightly in this: Matthew 16:24-25 

"Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."