Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums

Movie spotlight

Chrysanthemums

1914
Movie
30 min
Russian

A tragic story of a ballerina.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: D. W. GriffithGenres: Short, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In this silent short film, a young woman yearns for a life beyond her humble farm. She receives a pair of beautiful chrysanthemums, which she interprets as a sign of hope and a potential connection to a different world. Her journey leads her to a dance where she encounters a charming stranger, only for reality to deliver a poignant lesson about dreams and aspirations.

Critical Reception

As an early silent short, "Chrysanthemums" is often viewed as a minor work by D. W. Griffith, showcasing his developing narrative techniques and exploration of emotional themes. While not as monumental as his later epics, it is recognized for its delicate portrayal of longing and its visual storytelling within the constraints of its era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman's desires.

  • Cited as an example of early cinematic emotional storytelling.

  • Acknowledged as a precursor to more complex narrative films.

Google audience: Audience reception for this early silent short is not extensively documented through modern platforms. However, its historical significance lies in its representation of nascent film acting and narrative development.

Fun Fact

This film is an example of D. W. Griffith's early work before he moved on to directing longer, more elaborate feature films that would shape the course of Hollywood cinema.

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