Italian
Locarno Film Festival: A tribute to Columbia Pictures’ centenary
The Locarno Film Festival is celebrated for its retrospectives, and this year, it shines a spotlight on a studio rather than an individual. The festival honors Columbia Pictures with “The Lady with the Torch,” marking the studio’s 100th anniversary.
A journey through Columbia’s golden era
Curator Ehsan Khoshbakht has meticulously crafted an “unofficial history” of Columbia Pictures, showcasing 44 films. From iconic titles like The Lady from Shanghai (1947) by Orson Welles and The Big Heat (1953) by Fritz Lang, to hidden treasures such as Man’s Castle (1933) by Frank Borzage and The Killer that Stalked New York (1950) by Earl McEvoy, the retrospective paints a vivid picture of Columbia’s rise under the controversial leadership of Harry Cohn.
The essence of retrospectives at Locarno
Reflecting on the role of retrospectives, Khoshbakht shares a personal anecdote about the festival’s unique blend of past and present. He recalls how jurors would immerse themselves in classic films by Yasuhiro Ozu in the morning and then switch to contemporary competition films in the afternoon. This seamless transition between eras enriches the audience’s experience, making them realize that these films, though from the past, resonate with today’s culture.
Timeless relevance of classic films
Films like Gunman’s Walk (1958) are highlighted for their enduring relevance. The movie’s exploration of patriarchy, psychological complexities, racial tension, and the roots of racism remains strikingly modern. Similarly, a trio of films—Washington Merry-Go-Round (1932), The Undercover Man (1949), and All the King’s Men (1949)—offers a profound insight into America’s socio-political landscape, despite being made by directors with vastly different perspectives and budgets.
The collaboration behind the retrospective
The collaboration between Locarno and Columbia Pictures was born from a meeting between Khoshbakht and Locarno’s artistic director, Giona Nazzaro, in Mexico. With the support of key figures at Sony, such as Grover Crisp and Rita Belda, the retrospective came to life. Crisp, with his extensive experience in film restoration, played a crucial role in maintaining the quality and historical integrity of the films.
The magic of cinema projection
Khoshbakht emphasizes the irreplaceable experience of watching films in their original 35mm format. He recounts the joy of seeing a film like Brothers (1930) by Walter Lang projected in 35mm, a rare opportunity that might not come again. The dedication of projectionists like Jean-Michel Gabarra ensures that each screening is a perfect blend of technical precision and cinematic magic.
Lessons for contemporary filmmakers
Khoshbakht offers a critical perspective on modern filmmaking, particularly the trend of lengthy runtimes. He praises the concise storytelling of classic Columbia films, many of which are under 80 minutes yet packed with rich, visual narratives. He contrasts this with today’s films, which often stretch to three hours despite faster means of travel and storytelling.
The art of visual storytelling
The retrospective underscores the visual economy of classic films. Contrary to the misconception that older films are overly chatty, many Columbia classics are visually driven, with dialogue serving to enhance rather than dominate the narrative. This approach, exemplified by Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night (1934), demonstrates the timeless art of visual storytelling.
A celebration of cinematic heritage
The Locarno Film Festival’s tribute to Columbia Pictures is more than a retrospective; it’s a celebration of cinematic heritage. It invites audiences to rediscover the magic of classic films and appreciate their relevance in today’s world. For cinema enthusiasts, this retrospective is a journey through the golden era of Hollywood, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry and innovation that defined Columbia Pictures.
For more information and to watch trailers of the featured films, visit the Locarno Film Festival page.
