Laughter, suspense, and more at TSFF’ 22
Photo: The Informer poster. Retrieved from AllMovie.
by Sonia Tao
Toronto Silent Film Festival took place November 11 to 13 at Revue Cinema. The festival celebrates the best of silent films. Running the gamut from comedy to proto-noir, the experience was nothing short of delightful.
On the comedy side, I saw 1000 Laffs: Mack & Mayhem. Produced by Canadian-American producer and head of Keystone Studios, Mack Sennett, the film features five shorts: His Trysting Place, Ambrose’s First Falsehood, Do-Re-Mi Boom, Nip and Tuck, and Galloping Bungalows. Sennett is often credited as the ‘King of Comedy,’ and these shorts show his penchant for the genre.
The shorts combine lighthearted humour with subtle storytelling. They're about misunderstandings between people and the weird, laughable things that happen as a result. When Charlie Chaplin and Mack Swain meet at a restaurant, they can’t eat their meals without driving each other up a wall; when Ambrose’s wife mistakenly thinks her husband has died, the latter comes home to some strange things; when Cameo the dog plays poker, we know something is afoot! It features an eclectic cast of characters, including an organist’s monkey, Bathing Beauties, and an inordinate amount of custard pies.
Of course, I can’t forget Jordan Klapman’s roller-coaster-ride of an accompaniment. The palpable energy of his improv was heard in the staccato flurries as Chaplin and Swain got in a brawl at the park. Or as Cameo led a horde of cops down the streets of LA. It kept me on the edge of my seat — laughing!
“The shorts combine lighthearted humour with subtle storytelling.”
The festival also saw a proto-noir. The Informer — directed by Arthur Robison in 1929 — is about the political context in Ireland. Gypo (Lars Hanson), a member of an underground party, betrays his friend and fellow party member Francis (Carl Harbord). The film follows Gypo’s betrayal as he tries to redeem himself while escaping vengeance from the party with the help of his girlfriend Katie (Lya de Putti). The film’s dark aesthetic imparts a noir-like atmosphere. Looming shadows, dim alleys, and foggy streets add to the shadowy ambience. I was impressed with Hanson and de Putti’s performances, and the way they fleshed out the characters’ inner turmoil. The scene where Katie decides Gypo’s fate had me holding my breath. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any darker, another twist is revealed: I can still see de Putti’s stormy eyes brewing, minutes before she makes the decision. The film’s darkness would not be complete without Bill O’Meara’s accompaniment. The brooding chords set the pensive mood, underlying the impending tragedy. It imbues a sombreness in pivotal moments like the opening and in the last scene with Gypo.
On top of great films, the people were a joy! The festival team, volunteers, and Revue staff were friendly and helpful. Whether you’re a fan or a newcomer to silent films, be sure to check out this festival.
Toronto Silent Film Festival is running from April 14-16, 2023 at Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave.