Movie spotlight
The Live Statue
A lazy sculptor squanders his advance and has to think outside the box to meet his deadline. At short notice, the sculptor has received the task of carving a copy of the famous statue “The Swimmer”. However, due to time pressure, one of the sculptor’s students has to replace the marble and become a living statue. Will the costumer see through the sculptor’s deceit? (Stumfilm.dk)
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy man, obsessed with his own statue, hires an actor to impersonate it. The actor, however, falls in love with the man's daughter, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and identity mix-ups. The wealthy man's attempts to control the situation only escalate the absurdity, culminating in a chaotic and humorous resolution.
Critical Reception
As a short silent comedy from the early days of cinema, 'The Live Statue' is primarily appreciated for its historical significance and its place in the development of comedic filmmaking. While contemporary reviews were not as formalized as they are today, the film reflects the popular slapstick and vaudeville-influenced humor of its era. Its reception is generally viewed through the lens of its time, highlighting Griffith's early work in lighter fare.
What Reviewers Say
A charming example of early silent comedy.
Showcases Griffith's versatility beyond dramatic works.
Relies on physical humor and mistaken identity typical of the era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1913 film is not available.
Fun Fact
This short film is notable for featuring Mack Sennett, who would later become one of Hollywood's most influential comedy producers, known as the 'King of Comedy'.
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