Movie spotlight
Primitive Woman
A young woman of wealth revenges herself on a young author whose peculiar ideas about women have led him to act and speak in an insulting manner. This young man isolates himself in the mountains for the purpose of writing a story on the primitive woman, where he is discovered by his friends, to whom he vows that no woman shall cross his threshold. The mischievous young woman of the story, determined to place him at her feet, goes secretly to the home of a mountain woman with whom she lives in the guise of a wild girl of the hills. Purposely sliding over an embankment where she knows she will fall in his path, she is rewarded by having him pick her up and carry her to his cabin, where she pretends to be too much injured to be moved that day. The mountain woman is sent for and the two remain in the cabin of the author for several days. Finally she is discovered by her people, when it also comes to light that the woman-hating author has fallen to the charms of his pretty visitor.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short silent film depicts a comedic scenario where a woman, dissatisfied with modern life, escapes to a "primitive" existence. She finds that life without modern conveniences is not as appealing as she imagined, leading to humorous situations and a quick return to civilization.
Critical Reception
As a short, silent comedy from 1918, formal critical reception is not widely documented in the same way as feature films. However, it is recognized as an example of Alice Guy-Blaché's directorial output during her American period, showcasing her ability to create engaging and often lighthearted narratives.
What Reviewers Say
A brief, lighthearted comedy from a pioneering female director.
Illustrates themes of societal contrast through humorous scenarios.
A historical artifact showcasing early filmmaking techniques and sensibilities.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this 1918 short film is not available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable, though Alice Guy-Blaché herself is a significant figure in film history.
Fun Fact
Alice Guy-Blaché was one of the very first filmmakers to use synchronized sound, experimenting with her own Chronophone system in the early 1900s, predating much of the industry's eventual adoption of sound films.
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