It’s almost midnight and I am just back from one of the most extraordinary film experiences of my life: the 5.5 hour viewing of NAPOLEON, Abel Gance’s epic silent film, made in the 1927 and remounted in Oakland, California with a 48-piece live orchestra. Unbelievable.
Was it always great throughout? No. But was it worth the 5.5 hour experience which stretched in 8 hours with two 20 minute intermissions and a dinner break? Yes. I’ve never experienced anything like it. People flew in from Europe. People came from across the country. The 3,000 seat Paramount Theater in Oakland was sold out.
The film is FILLED with lessons in communication…though it is silent.
1) the power of imagery, facial expression and “body attitude”. How much can you communicate without words?
2) the power of music and sound (though no spoken dialogue). How can you use these in your next presentation?
3)the power of commitment to a cause – the scenes of Napoleon rousing the army or the oppressed were riveting. For what cause would you stand and shout before a crowd? Think about it.
4) the creativity and risk-taking involved. 5.5 hours? Years of one’s life? For what are you willing to put yourself on the line?
5) the innovation—Gance had 3 live cameras shooting certain scenes so he could then run them in sync on three screens all lined up to create Panavision (long before it’s time)…his Polyvision. What ideas have you left go by the wayside, but which you know may have some genius within?
6) the COMMITMENT to put in the long hours involved. Great work TAKES TIME. Don’t beat yourself up for the hours involved. What’s the project you’re expecting will take less than “it should”? Great work takes time.
7) the sustaining power of great art—whether it’s this film made in 1927 or the stunning Art Deco Paramount Theater in which the film was shown…or whatever it is you do next. Build something that will last.
Though “planned obsolescence” seems to be how many businesses keep the buyer perpetually buying, when it comes to art, plan for longevity.
Wouldn’t it be cool if someone dug up your creation 100 years from now and called it a masterpiece?
