It was the films of Lon Chaney that transformed my interest in silent movies from casual observer to love at first sight. I had seen a handful of good silents, including Charlie Chaplin's classic, "City Lights," but my full fledged obsession didn't begin until TCM ran a Chaney marathon that I impulsively DVR'd. Having seen his film, "The Unknown," and really liking it, I decided to give this so-called "Man of a Thousand Faces" a chance. And I'm so grateful I did.
Lon Chaney was not ahead or before his time. In fact, as public figures go, he was right on time. Being raised by deaf parents and honing his craft on the stage, his talents in makeup and pantomime evolved alongside the ever growing picture show business. And in the early 1920's when Hollywood had finally learned how to do it right, Chaney was ready to fill the shoes of a much needed character actor that could carry a picture.
His ability to transform himself through his own makeup designs or body contortions is still amazing today. In this day and age of digital special effects, movie goers expect the state of art technology, but when you watch Lon Chaney you are actually watching Lon Chaney. And viewing his movies today makes me realize that he was one of the best actors of any generation.
Unlike his peers at the time, as well as many of the actors of today, Lon Chaney shunned the spotlight, often turning away during newsreel shots revealing only the back of his head. Was this because he valued his privacy, or did he just want to keep the illusion a mystery as to what he looked like and who he really was? Quite possibly a little of both, but just the fact that he remained scandal free during the most scandalous decade in Hollywood, says a lot about his character and dedication to his craft.
Many of his films are considered lost today, but enough of them survive to prove what a special talent he had. "The Phantom of the Opera" seems to be his most recognized title, and although it is good, if you've never seen a Lon Chaney film, I don't recommend starting with that one. The reason is simple. He spends more than half of the film behind a mask, covering up one of Hollywood's most expressive faces.
Instead, start with "The Penalty" or "He Who Gets Slapped" or "The Blackbird" or "The Unholy Three" or "West of Zanzibar" or "The Unknown" or "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" or his personal favorite, "Tell it to the Marines," where he played a character that didn't hide behind makeup, disfigurement or disguises.
Lon Chaney died shortly after filming his first talking picture, a remake of "The Unholy Three." And even though that film didn't live up to the silent version, his performance proved that he was ready for the new medium of sound. Where his career would have gone we will never know. I'm just grateful for the films of Lon Chaney that are still around. And if I could meet him today I would not only thank him for his work, but also for introducing me to the overlooked and underappreciated world of silent cinema.
Lon Chaney was not ahead or before his time. In fact, as public figures go, he was right on time. Being raised by deaf parents and honing his craft on the stage, his talents in makeup and pantomime evolved alongside the ever growing picture show business. And in the early 1920's when Hollywood had finally learned how to do it right, Chaney was ready to fill the shoes of a much needed character actor that could carry a picture.
His ability to transform himself through his own makeup designs or body contortions is still amazing today. In this day and age of digital special effects, movie goers expect the state of art technology, but when you watch Lon Chaney you are actually watching Lon Chaney. And viewing his movies today makes me realize that he was one of the best actors of any generation.
Unlike his peers at the time, as well as many of the actors of today, Lon Chaney shunned the spotlight, often turning away during newsreel shots revealing only the back of his head. Was this because he valued his privacy, or did he just want to keep the illusion a mystery as to what he looked like and who he really was? Quite possibly a little of both, but just the fact that he remained scandal free during the most scandalous decade in Hollywood, says a lot about his character and dedication to his craft.
Many of his films are considered lost today, but enough of them survive to prove what a special talent he had. "The Phantom of the Opera" seems to be his most recognized title, and although it is good, if you've never seen a Lon Chaney film, I don't recommend starting with that one. The reason is simple. He spends more than half of the film behind a mask, covering up one of Hollywood's most expressive faces.
Instead, start with "The Penalty" or "He Who Gets Slapped" or "The Blackbird" or "The Unholy Three" or "West of Zanzibar" or "The Unknown" or "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" or his personal favorite, "Tell it to the Marines," where he played a character that didn't hide behind makeup, disfigurement or disguises.
Lon Chaney died shortly after filming his first talking picture, a remake of "The Unholy Three." And even though that film didn't live up to the silent version, his performance proved that he was ready for the new medium of sound. Where his career would have gone we will never know. I'm just grateful for the films of Lon Chaney that are still around. And if I could meet him today I would not only thank him for his work, but also for introducing me to the overlooked and underappreciated world of silent cinema.
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