Blacksmith Scene

Starring: Charles Kayser (uncredited), John Ott (uncredited)
Directed by: N/A
Rating: N/A
Genre: Short
Length: 37 seconds
1893

Times Seen:
Tim: 4


Summary: Three blacksmiths are hard at work, before taking a break to drink some beer.

Review:

Tim: I have to admit I was mesmerized by Blacksmith Scene. At the time I watched it, it was by far the oldest and shortest movie I'd ever seen. I was blown away by the short, 37 second clip. The movie was filmed in 1893, which in movie terms is about as close to the beginning as it gets. The clip is remarkably short- three men hammer an anvil, take a break to drink a few sips of beer, before returning to work. That's it. And yet, it feels like there is so much more to it.

I have heard this movie called the most complex film ever made (in 1893, that is). That is mind blowing when you think about how simple this movie is. In terms of the complexity of the movies today, this one wouldn't even register on the scale. And yet, it shows three actors, all moving simultaneously in a stationary long shot. This is one of the first commercial films ever made, and as such, was more than likely hugely influential to other, future filmmakers.

What I liked about this film is the beautiful simplicity of it all. When the film opens, a man is standing in front of the camera to the left, before he's likely told to move out of the way. I loved that goof in this short film. It reminds me that motion pictures were such a new phenomenon that something like standing in front of the camera happened so easily. I've also read about the importance of the beer drinking- how it recalls a time when drinking on the job wasn't frowned up in American society.

Blacksmith Scene may not be appreciated by non-film lovers. It's so short, and has no actual plot. But, I found it fascinating. We are able to pull back the curtain of time, and for a short while, see how the world looked in 1893. That is amazing. I loved being able to see this early American film, and I highly recommend reading more about it from someone who knows what they're talking about.


Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: N/A



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: N/A