Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. West

The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. West

The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr. West was filmed in 1924 and directed by Lev Kuleshov. Lev kuleshov was born in 1899 in Tambov, Russia. He is the creator of the famous "Kuleshov effect". The Kuleshov Effect basically shows the manipulative effect of a character based on his/her facial expression regardless of what is being filmed. It is important to note that this film was a broad satire of American ignorance of the Soviet Union.

Mr. West being the YMCA president wishes to expand and therefore goes to the Soviet Union to spread his idea. For protection, Mr. West brings along his friend Jeddy due to the fact that Bolsheviks were viewed as savages who wear rags for clothing. Upon arrival, the two are unsure as to what Russia has to offer. Once theyre finally there, Mr. West's brief case gets stolen and Jeddy gets separated. He then winds up in the hands of a countess and a gang who messes with Mr. West and makes him believe the Bolsheviks are as terrible as Americans make them out to be. The gang then plans an abduction, which frightens Mr. West. Meanwhile they have been taking thousands of dollars along the way while Mr. West believes they're rescuing him. Eventually the real Bolshevik police help Mr. West and he takes a sight seeing tour of Moscow. At this time, Mr. West realizes that the American view of the Bolsheviks was wrong and asks his wife to hang a portrait of Lenin on the wall.

Its ironic how the film is mocking American ignorance, however copies American cinematic methods at the same time. It wasn't typical to create a film such as this one during the time period. This is the first anti-American film created with the intention to point out the American ignorance. There was a great amount of action in this film that caught my attention. Unlike other films, the shots that were taken (the car chase when the briefcase was stolen) kept my interest unlike any other film we've watched so far with the help of the upbeat background music.

The acting was exaggerated which made each situation easily understandable to the viewer. The genre of this film was a comedy and yes there were a few moments through out the film that were funny and entertaining, however I believe the plot was more exciting rather than funny. Which brings me to my question. Is it easier to show action rather than humor in a movie with no/limited words?