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Underworld

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NR
1927

Underworld, released in 1927, is a profound and exceptional American silent crime film. It is directed by the masterful Josef von Sternberg and boasts a remarkable cast including George Bancroft, Clive Brook, and Evelyn Brent. This movie set the stage for many governmental crime dramas that followed while showing sophisticated creative choices and storytelling techniques considering its silent film status.

George Bancroft gives a standout performance as the leading character, 'Bull' Weed. Bull Weed is a powerful, fearless and noticeably successful bootlegger during the prohibition era, a time when selling alcohol was illegal in the United States. His strong character is offset with an unusual tender touch, making his portrayal a wonderful display of nuanced character development. Bancroft's sturdy and resonating performance draws viewers into the complexity and emotional depth of a character that could have been easily written off as a mere brute given the criminal milieu.

Clive Brook adds to the dynamism of the story as Rolls Royce, an alcoholic lawyer whom Bull Weed saves and helps reform. Brook's portrayal is poignant and sensitive, juggling the intricacies of gratitude, loyalty and conflict with an admirable subtlety. He tears at the viewers' hearts, making his choices not about right or wrong, but about steadfast loyalty and complex morality.

Adding a third dimension to the plot is Evelyn Brent, playing 'Feathers' McCoy. Feathers is Bull Weed's relentlessly loyal partner whose fiery persona and sense of survival ground both Bull Weed and Rolls Royce. She is portrayed not as a passive sidekick or love interest, but as a woman who, besides being beautiful and charming, is also equally courageous and smart.

The luxurious and energetic pace of Underworld is a direct reflection of its prohibition-era setting. The film goes beyond the surface of bootlegging and mob crimes, delving into the inner workings of its characters and giving the audience a glimpse into the harsh realities of that period.

Against this backdrop of crime and chaos, the movie pivots on a love triangle brewing between the three primary characters. This narrative device adds layers to the plot - challenging the established dynamics, testing loyalties, and nudging the characters towards monumental decisions. The complexity of these emotionally charged relationships ultimately propels the gripping narrative forward, offering nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping drama.

The cinematography of Underworld is as compelling as its storyline and characters. The scenes are shot with visual elegance and imagination, with each frame capturing the bleak, hard-hitting reality of the time while still maintaining a certain poetic flair. The director’s artistry in creating contrast, shadow, and playing with the silence of the era creates artistic tension in what could have been simply a crime film, transforming it into a work seen as a prototype of unique American film noir.

Despite being a silent film, music and sound effects play an essential role in the movie. The score intensifies each scene's emotion, reflecting the era's ambiance, the characters' emotional turmoil, and the plot's thrill and suspense. These subtle auditory nuances help paint an auditory picture that complements the visual storytelling stunningly, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Underworld also gains notice for its clever use of intertitles, which are neither excessive nor overly explanatory, but perfectly placed to move the story along. This method prevents unnecessary disruptions in the storyline and maintains the audience's engagement throughout the film.

Underworld is not just a movie about crime and bootlegging; it is an in-depth exploration of the human condition framed within the context of prohibition and crime. It showcases the blurred lines between the lawful and the lawless, the strong and the weak, and the loyal and the treacherous. The film's relentless blending of hard-hitting reality, intoxicating romance, and thrilling suspense make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, Underworld (1927) is a powerful cinematic masterpiece that offers a rich concoction of crime, love, and suspense beautifully intertwined with outstanding performances and impeccable creativity. It sets a high standard for the silent film genre and remains a critical benchmark in American film history.

Underworld is a Drama, Crime, Romance movie released in 1927. It has a runtime of 82 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.5..

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7.5/10
Director
Josef von Sternberg
Stars
George Bancroft, Evelyn Brent
Also starring George Bancroft
Also starring Clive Brook