Review of Battleship Potemkin (1925) by J. Scott F — 05 Jan 2014

How does one add commentary to what has been called the "greatest film of all time?" First off, I'm not sure about that. Granted, the direction and editing created emotional intensity and empathy via montages, which proved highly influential in the history of film. However, the use of quick montage was also revolutionary when Abel Gance used it in "La Roue" to much the same effect a year earlier. Today, we are so accustomed to quick multiple edits and montages that it's difficult to analyze it from an uninitiated viewpoint.

Secondly, this is a propaganda film, plain & simple. I'm a bit surprised that the US ever allowed it to be shown due to its philosophical support of communism. However, it should be seen and studied by everyone so as to keep democracies from succumbing to the same sort of propaganda - and likewise to understand the elements that create such a populist revolution. When you disrespect the workers, create blatant inequalities, and serve them tainted meat . . . well, this is what happens.