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That is how an online film critic describes the experience of watching A Panicky Picnic; and although I've never gorged myself on lukewarm sushi, I'm mostly inclined to agree. Made in 1909, it follows a family's attempt to have a picnic in the countryside, only to be disturbed by numerous weird and bizarre occurrences. Co-directed by Segundo de Chomón, along with Camille de Morlhon, the film is yet another showcase of De Chomon's skills and talents during the early years of cinema.
I've only seen a couple of De Chomon's shorts, but they've all been a treat from a technical standpoint. From typical swap shots of stuff that appears and disappears, it all peaks with a really impressive dream sequence done with animation, silhouettes, and shadows. It then culminates with a spectacular sequence in the yard of the cottage using a couple of massive props and some great special effects. To think that all this was made more than 100 years ago is quite impressive.
I discovered De Chomon's work a couple of years ago when I was about to record an episode on silent films. However, I'm surprised that I've really haven't sought out more of his short films. Still, what little I've seen, I totally recommend just as much as I recommend Méličs, and certainly more than I would recommend lukewarm sushi.
Grade:
A PANICKY PICNIC
(1909, De Chomón & De Morlhon)
(1909, De Chomón & De Morlhon)
"The dream you’d have if you gorged yourself on lukewarm sushi."
That is how an online film critic describes the experience of watching A Panicky Picnic; and although I've never gorged myself on lukewarm sushi, I'm mostly inclined to agree. Made in 1909, it follows a family's attempt to have a picnic in the countryside, only to be disturbed by numerous weird and bizarre occurrences. Co-directed by Segundo de Chomón, along with Camille de Morlhon, the film is yet another showcase of De Chomon's skills and talents during the early years of cinema.
I've only seen a couple of De Chomon's shorts, but they've all been a treat from a technical standpoint. From typical swap shots of stuff that appears and disappears, it all peaks with a really impressive dream sequence done with animation, silhouettes, and shadows. It then culminates with a spectacular sequence in the yard of the cottage using a couple of massive props and some great special effects. To think that all this was made more than 100 years ago is quite impressive.
I discovered De Chomon's work a couple of years ago when I was about to record an episode on silent films. However, I'm surprised that I've really haven't sought out more of his short films. Still, what little I've seen, I totally recommend just as much as I recommend Méličs, and certainly more than I would recommend lukewarm sushi.
Grade: