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Master of the House

Where to Watch Master of the House

NR
1925

Master of the House is a Swedish silent film from the mid-1920s, specifically 1925, directed by the illustrious Danish director, Carl Theodor Dreyer. A brilliantly human drama with melodramatic elements, Master of the House delivers a satirically sharp yet empathetic commentary on the prevailing patriarchal norms of society.

The primary cast of the film includes Johannes Meyer as John, the titular Master of the House, with Astrid Holm as his loving yet oppressed wife, Ida, and Karin Nellemose as Mads, a childhood friend and housemaid of the couple. Alongside these three is Mathilde Nielsen, who plays Nana, a maternal figure who ultimately aids in steering the household towards a healthier dynamic.

The plot, at its core, revolves around domestic life, examining the power dynamics within a typical family unit of the Dreyer era. Johannes Meyer's character, John, represents an archetypical example of an autocratic husband and father. He unabashedly exploits his wife's untiring devotion and marginalizes his children's existence, exerting an unrightful authoritarian rule inside his house. His role distinctly depicts the oppressive men found in patriarchal societies, their 'macho' ego, and their disregard for the sacrifices and contributions of the women in their households.

Astrid Holm as Ida is a persona of persistent endurance, patience, and self-sacrifice. She caters to her husband's every whim and fancy without complaint and maintains tranquillity in the household. Ida’s devoutness, however, is both her strength and weakness. It makes her enduring but also susceptible to her husband's exploitative and unreasonable demands.

Karin Nellemose as Mads is the emblem of companionship and unspoken love, subtly placing her own desires behind the success of John and Ida's relationship. Her character is critical in revealing the alienation Ida experiences and the stressful dynamics within the family. As a friend and housemaid, her sympathetic perspective provides the viewer with a more profound understanding of the household's turmoil.

Nana, played by Mathilde Nielsen, is a welcome source of wisdom and resilience. As a somewhat surrogate mother to Ida and maternal figure within the film, Nana takes it upon herself to redress the alarming imbalance in the household. She possesses a sense of traditional wisdom and displays a strong aura of motherly authority, which ultimately helps restructure the family dynamics, laying bare the misguided authority and tyranny of John.

This deep character study is complementarily enriched by Dreyer’s directorial elegance. The film’s visual narrative is powerful, relying on tightly framed close-ups and perfectly timed edits to create emotional intensity. This thematic aesthetic is enhanced by the structured use of motifs and metaphors that also resonate deeply within the narrative. The film also showcases the director's penchant for empathetic realism and minimalistic cinematography, which was revolutionary at the time.

Master of the House is notably a silent film, meaning it tells its story largely through moving images, gestures and actions rather than dialogue. It manages the art of subtlety brilliantly, delivering every nuanced expression, every detailed gesture, every locked gaze in its most raw, heartfelt form. Dreyer maintains a pace that is languid enough to allow viewers to introspect on deeper sociological messages but dynamic enough to keep them engaged.

Despite being a silent film, Master of the House does not shy away from crafting an atmosphere. Aptly chosen music, a few intertitles for crucial scenes and, above all, incredible acting performances contribute to a layered and atmospherically rich movie experience.

Master of the House is, above all, a thoughtful and realistic reflection on the fundamental dynamics of a family. It effectively mirrors the frustrations, dependencies, silences, sacrifices, and power struggles that exist within a typical familial setting. As such, Dreyer's film transcends time and strikes a chord with audiences, regardless of when they are watching it. This classic is thus a compelling story of domesticity, power dynamics, self-realization, and redemption that continues to be relevant, making watching this film a profound and engaging experience.

Master of the House is a Drama, Comedy movie released in 1925. It has a runtime of 107 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.0..

7.0/10
Director
Carl Theodor Dreyer
Stars
Johannes Meyer, Astrid Holm, Karin Nellemose