So I just received The Ten Commandments 50th Anniversary DVD yesterday and I didn't even realize that there WAS a 1923 version (also by Cecille B. Demille) until I got it. Well I watched it last night and I must say, it was among the most interesting and engaging silent films I've ever seen. They also did a remarkable job on the restoration.
What's unique about this version is it begins with the stoy of the exodus, which by the way has some truly epic and truly remarkable shots, and then half way through it shifts to the 1920's and shows how the ten commandments were equally applicable in that day and age as they were when they were written.
Now there are a few inadvertant laughs here but I think it adds to the charm of the film. For one thing, Moses looks completely psychotic. For another, the mother once the film shifts to the 20's is the typical legalistic Christian while the bad son kind of reminds me of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow (you'll have to see it to understand why). Also, some of the dialogue cards are hilarious. "That's bunk mother!" for instance.
Anyway, has anyone else seen this version? If you haven't, I'd definatley recommend at least trying to rent it if you can. I loved this movie!
What's unique about this version is it begins with the stoy of the exodus, which by the way has some truly epic and truly remarkable shots, and then half way through it shifts to the 1920's and shows how the ten commandments were equally applicable in that day and age as they were when they were written.
Now there are a few inadvertant laughs here but I think it adds to the charm of the film. For one thing, Moses looks completely psychotic. For another, the mother once the film shifts to the 20's is the typical legalistic Christian while the bad son kind of reminds me of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow (you'll have to see it to understand why). Also, some of the dialogue cards are hilarious. "That's bunk mother!" for instance.
Anyway, has anyone else seen this version? If you haven't, I'd definatley recommend at least trying to rent it if you can. I loved this movie!
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