Review of Cabiria (1914) by Eric H — 10 Apr 2014
A truly remarkable film! Operatic sets, histrionic posturing and title cards by protofascist Gabriele D'Annunzio make this silent classic a cut above all that came before and much that came after. It doesn't really matter that the title character gets precious little screen time and zero close-ups or that there's more plot than a dozen movies, this picture is special.
I mean, it's got everything: volcanoes, shipwrecks, blood thirsty pagans, greedy tavern owners, not to mention guest appearances by Archimedes (with the original death ray), Hannibal (with elephants), Moloch (evil overlord of the Dark Empire) and other assorted luminaries including a recalcitrant leopard who wanders on and off the set.
No zombies though.This film was also notable as the beginning of the ever-popular Maciste franchise. Bartolomeo Pagano starred in a series of over 20 further adventures of Maciste before the 20s were out, to say nothing of all later incarnations.
In one memorable scene Mr. Maciste gives new meaning to the phrase "the daily grind." This is a movie not to be missed!
This review of Cabiria (1914) was written by Eric H on 10 Apr 2014.
Cabiria has generally received positive reviews.
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