1929 Movies

The Best Movies in 1929

Man with a Movie Camera

"Man with a Movie Camera," directed by Dziga Vertov, distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to visual storytelling. Capturing urban life in Soviet cities such as Kyiv, Kharkov, Moscow, and Odessa, Vertov employs an array of filming techniques. Double exposure, fast motion, and freeze frames are just the tip of the iceberg. These methods not only showcased a day in the life of Soviet citizens but also pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved through documentary filmmaking.

Pandora's Box

Louise Brooks's portrayal of Lulu in G.W. Pabst's "Pandora's Box" captures the essence of a woman whose life unfolds in unexpected, often tragic ways. Released in 1929, the film is a compelling study of sexuality and societal expectations. Brooks's performance is timeless, making "Pandora's Box" a pivotal representation of female characters in early cinema.

The Cocoanuts

The Marx Brothers are synonymous with early American comedy, and "The Cocoanuts" is no exception. Directed by Robert Florey and Joseph Santley, the film sets the comedic ensemble in a Florida hotel amid a chaotic land auction. Their signature wit, slapstick humor, and musical interludes make "The Cocoanuts" a cornerstone in the comedy genre of its time.

Diary of a Lost Girl

G.W. Pabst and Louise Brooks team up once more in "Diary of a Lost Girl," illustrating the journey of a young woman's societal downfall and her fight for redemption. The film navigates the rocky terrain of early 20th-century social attitudes toward women, echoing the complexities and challenges of the era. Brooks delivers another captivating performance, solidifying her status as an icon of silent film.

Un Chien Andalou

"Un Chien Andalou," a collaborative effort between Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí, is a hallmark of surrealist cinema. Known for its dreamlike sequences and startling images, such as the notorious eye-slicing scene, this film defies conventional narrative structure. Its impact on avant-garde filmmaking and art is memorable, marking it as a revolutionary piece in film history.

Film & Industry Highlights of 1929

The Transition to Sound in Cinema

1929 marks the end of the silent film era and embraces a new standard of cinema through the successful integration of synchronized sound, or "talkies." The Jazz Singer, released in 1927, played a critical role in demonstrating the commercial viability and audience appeal of sound films. As a result, the film industry saw an exponential increase in movie attendance, climbing from an average of 50 million weekly attendees in the mid-1920s to an impressive 110 million by the end of the decade. This shift not only reshaped audience expectations but also presented filmmakers with both new technical challenges and storytelling opportunities.

Technological Advances and Industry Growth

The introduction of 16mm film by the Eastman Kodak Company, specifically designed for sound motion pictures, facilitated this transition. This technological innovation supported the growing demand for talkies and allowed for more widespread production. Hollywood, with its year-round filming capabilities and varied scenery, emerged as the epicenter of film production. By the decade's conclusion, it was recognized as the nation's fifth-largest industry, attracting substantial investment and talent, further fueling the industry's growth.

The First Academy Awards

In recognition of the artistic and technical advancements made within the industry, the first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929. The event symbolized the industry's commitment to celebrating excellence in filmmaking. "Wings," a film notable for its technical prowess, garnered the award for Best Picture, highlighting the prestigious recognition of filmmaking achievements at the time.

Sound Cinema's Artistic Exploration

The embrace of sound cinema opened doors to new narrative possibilities and genres. Alfred Hitchcock's "Blackmail," released in the same year, became the UK's first full-length sound film. It demonstrated how sound could amplify narrative depth and suspense, setting a precedent for future filmmakers. Additionally, "The Broadway Melody" won the Academy Award for Outstanding Picture at the 2nd Academy Awards, illustrating the musical genre's newfound appeal in the era of sound cinema. These films showcased the various capabilities of sound and its potential to enhance cinematic storytelling.

Economic Context and Resilience

Despite the sweeping success of sound films and the boom of the film industry, 1929 also bore witness to economic challenges. The stock market crash in October 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression. Nevertheless, the film industry demonstrated remarkable resilience. Sound films, in particular, offered an escape for many Americans, providing a source of hope and entertainment during difficult times. This resilience underscored the role of cinema as a vital cultural and emotional outlet for the public.