As one of the great influences in film history, Kuleshov shows his talent and craft in this adaptation of a Jack London story. The film displays Kuleshov's knack for editing and his use of montage to develop each scene during the silent era in cinema. Not only does he create great cinema in the film, but also manages to capture beautiful landscapes seen in the Ukon.
The plot revolves around five characters who are searching for gold in the 1920s. They have been unsuccessful until their most belittled partner, Michael, discovers a large chunk during dinner time. The group is ecstatic, and continue to search for more immediately; but, they tell Michael to do laundry instead and he is highly offended that they continue to treat him in a demeaning manor. Under such harsh conditions as the Ukon and in such a state of mind, he attacks the other members of the group, killing two of them. However, husband and wife, Hans and Edith, stop him and bind him before he can do anymore harm. This leads to a long and trying period of time, in which the three must withstand each other and the intense weather around them. Ultimately, they decide to put Michael on trial, but is his fate really their decision to make? Overall, Kuleshov has created an excellent film that was very well-made for its time. The images he allows us to see through montage give the film more depth than if he had been able to use dialog. For most viewers, this picture may drag on due to its lack of sound, but for those who wish to see Kuleshov's mastery of the cinema, it is a perfect choice.
The plot revolves around five characters who are searching for gold in the 1920s. They have been unsuccessful until their most belittled partner, Michael, discovers a large chunk during dinner time. The group is ecstatic, and continue to search for more immediately; but, they tell Michael to do laundry instead and he is highly offended that they continue to treat him in a demeaning manor. Under such harsh conditions as the Ukon and in such a state of mind, he attacks the other members of the group, killing two of them. However, husband and wife, Hans and Edith, stop him and bind him before he can do anymore harm. This leads to a long and trying period of time, in which the three must withstand each other and the intense weather around them. Ultimately, they decide to put Michael on trial, but is his fate really their decision to make? Overall, Kuleshov has created an excellent film that was very well-made for its time. The images he allows us to see through montage give the film more depth than if he had been able to use dialog. For most viewers, this picture may drag on due to its lack of sound, but for those who wish to see Kuleshov's mastery of the cinema, it is a perfect choice.