University of Virginia Library

Have To Be Smaller

If Hughes had taken this
approach to his subject, the
production would have to be
smaller than it is. Perhaps it would
resemble Carl Dryer's "Passion of
Saint Joan," which used close-ups
and a minimal use of sets. I doubt,
however, if "small" historical films
will ever be made in the future.

If "Cromwell" may be used as
an example. I would suggest the
following for other historical films.
First, trim the production down to
a workable size, in subject and
settings and costumes. Then, avoid
the tendency of having lengthy
scripts, and also avoid
pseudo-Shakespeare mixed with
trite expressions. Finally, entertain
the audience, but don't send the
historians gasping at inaccuracies.

This is one of the pleasures of
criticism: making ideal suggestions
that look great on paper, and meet
with everybody's disapproval.

(Now at the University)

* * *

Other films this week: The
Cinema has brought Andy Warhol's
"Trash" back to town for a week.
This funny and repulsive film
features amusing performances by
Jane Forth and Holly Woodlawn, a
transvestite. Across the street at the
Paramount is "Elvira Madigan."
This is the film which popularized
Mozart's Piano Concerto, number
21 (or was it 19?) and is noted for
its beautiful color photography, as
well as reviving romance in picnics.