drjay

Perhaps this thread belongs in movie talk, but I figured it was more suited to international....

I have a paper due shortly regarding the similarities and differences between Mauritz Stiller and Victor Sjöström. I have been watching a few of their movies (well, really just Berg-Ejvind och hans hustru (The Outlaw and His Wife), Körkarlen (The Phantom Chariot) and Herr Arnes Penningar (Sir Arne’s Treasure)) and I'm really just looking for a bit of input if anyone has any to give. I realize this is quite a long shot and probably not many have seen these but hey, why not ask? Thanks.

Zenigata

I was just reading about these fellows and their films recently for my cinema class. Swedish cinema in general at the time relied on national culture - customs, costumes, etc. Stiller and Sjöström were both hired by Svenska to boost production (this was in 1912). They directed, acted and wrote, and were extremely prolific at Svenska until going to Hollywood - Sjöström in 1923, Stiller in 25. There was a fire in 1941 that destroyed most of the negatives, so their films are a bit rare and existing prints are mediocre. Sjöström had a austere and naturalistic style, and was one of the most important directors of the silent era. He often focused on the grim consequences of a single action. Stiller made comedies and drama - mainly remember for urbane wit. Many adaptations of Swedish novelist Selma Lageröf as well. Eh, there's some more stuff about their specific films as well, but that's the general stuff. They had similar career paths, as did most working in Sweden at the time (effects of the war and whatnot). Hope that helps.

Oh, and, uh, certain films Sjöström worked on are available on DVD in assorted regions. Stiller only on VHS, I believe. There, now it’s relevant to the forum. ;-)

Hendrik

...more on Stiller...

...and don't discount Victor Seastrom's brilliant, made-in-America "The Wind" - once available on LaserDisc...

. . . . . .

drjay

I'm trying to track down this bad boy...wonder if I'll have any luck, heh.