Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Napoleon

File this entry under the "I really wish I'd know this sooner" file: Abel Gance's Napoleon will be shown at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, in a new restoration by Kevin Brownlow.

I have a special place in my heart for Napoleon; I was in New York with my mother in 1989 a few months after my father had died. I saw that it was playing at Radio City Music Hall, with a full orchestra conducted by Carmine Coppola. It was across the street from our hotel so we thought it would be something to do in the evening.

I'll never forget how entranced I was, especially the reveal of the triple screens for the finale. That was when I fell in love with silent movies, and have never looked back.

If anyone gets the chance to go and see it, I would love to hear your thoughts - email me and let me know what you think. And enjoy!

Links:
New York Times article
San Francisco Silent Film Festival