Some silent films show their age more than others. Even as many directors were innovating and advancing the medium, and talkies were but a stone's throw away, there's a certain earnest declination of sophistication in the fundamental storytelling and film-making here that reflects the notion of "simpler entertainment for a simpler time." This is to say nothing of noticeable deterioration in the surviving print prior to preservation, for some scenes and intertitles are definitely marked by uneven image quality that is far less than pristine. These aren't abject flaws, mind you, though it's not unreasonable to suppose that the resulting picture is something unlikely to change the minds of those who aren't already enamored of older cinema. Yet for the silent devotee, the avid cinephile, and the western buff, there nevertheless remains much to appreciate about 'Nevada' nearly 100 years later. It's no revelatory must-see, but if the basic presentation and older style doesn't turn you off, then this is a minor gem in its own right that deserves to be remembered.
Derived from Zane Grey's book of the same name, the plot is no great revelation as a couple of rogues try to make good, stumble into trouble, and are in time vindicated and turn their lives around. In the scene writing, intertitles, cinematography, editing, and direction we're greeted with fairly straightforward work that lays out all the elements in the proper manner to impart the tale on hand - the saga is made to speak for itself, without particular adornment otherwise to impress. The cast, in turn, give fine performances, though at large the acting isn't necessarily striking. Yet all this is just swell, for there's something splendidly endearing about this period in cinema, when it was sometimes characterized by such forthright, unembellished conceptions of artistry. Filmmakers had to walk before they could run. Even at that, in every regard some small moments do come across as especially shrewd and well-considered: a shot that Charles Edgar Schoenbaum captures, a sliver of John Waters' direction, a single scene or beat, a fragment in time of the acting of Gary Cooper, Thelma Todd, or their co-stars, and so on. All told this feature may not be a huge landmark, but in irregular bits and pieces we're treated to minutiae that are wonderfully well done and charming, and this can be just as gratifying as a wholly timeless masterpiece.
In any event, while some aspects wax and wane in the degree to which they shine, others are more plainly laudable. 'Nevada' is broadly well made by the standards of the late 1920s, including gorgeous filming locations, detailed sets and costume design, and excellent, low-key thrilling stunts and action sequences. The story is duly compelling, and more than fit to provide amusement for an hour or so. There are discernible imperfections here and there, too, and just as some moments are extra strong, some others are distinctly weaker; if the title had been handled with a uniform measure of care it would undoubtedly stand much taller, and weirdly, I think the less sure-footed areas are mostly in the back end. Still, on the balance it's solid and enjoyable. One way or another this 1927 flick isn't something one needs to go out of their way to see, and it's surely best recommended for those with some specific interest or impetus to watch. 'Nevada' is all that it needs to be to succeed on its chosen level, however, and it never pretends to be anything it's not. For a silent western of sixty-seven minutes, that makes it perfectly alright in my book. If you do have the chance to watch, in my opinion this is time rather well spent.
Derived from Zane Grey's book of the same name, the plot is no great revelation as a couple of rogues try to make good, stumble into trouble, and are in time vindicated and turn their lives around. In the scene writing, intertitles, cinematography, editing, and direction we're greeted with fairly straightforward work that lays out all the elements in the proper manner to impart the tale on hand - the saga is made to speak for itself, without particular adornment otherwise to impress. The cast, in turn, give fine performances, though at large the acting isn't necessarily striking. Yet all this is just swell, for there's something splendidly endearing about this period in cinema, when it was sometimes characterized by such forthright, unembellished conceptions of artistry. Filmmakers had to walk before they could run. Even at that, in every regard some small moments do come across as especially shrewd and well-considered: a shot that Charles Edgar Schoenbaum captures, a sliver of John Waters' direction, a single scene or beat, a fragment in time of the acting of Gary Cooper, Thelma Todd, or their co-stars, and so on. All told this feature may not be a huge landmark, but in irregular bits and pieces we're treated to minutiae that are wonderfully well done and charming, and this can be just as gratifying as a wholly timeless masterpiece.
In any event, while some aspects wax and wane in the degree to which they shine, others are more plainly laudable. 'Nevada' is broadly well made by the standards of the late 1920s, including gorgeous filming locations, detailed sets and costume design, and excellent, low-key thrilling stunts and action sequences. The story is duly compelling, and more than fit to provide amusement for an hour or so. There are discernible imperfections here and there, too, and just as some moments are extra strong, some others are distinctly weaker; if the title had been handled with a uniform measure of care it would undoubtedly stand much taller, and weirdly, I think the less sure-footed areas are mostly in the back end. Still, on the balance it's solid and enjoyable. One way or another this 1927 flick isn't something one needs to go out of their way to see, and it's surely best recommended for those with some specific interest or impetus to watch. 'Nevada' is all that it needs to be to succeed on its chosen level, however, and it never pretends to be anything it's not. For a silent western of sixty-seven minutes, that makes it perfectly alright in my book. If you do have the chance to watch, in my opinion this is time rather well spent.