The story of two men, one married, the other the lover of the other's wife, who meet in the trenches of the First World War, and how their tale becomes a microcosm for the horrors of war.
Direction
Gance pioneered rapid editing and handheld camera in battle scenes.
Cinematography
Stunning tinting and massive scale — partially lost, sadly.
Editing
The 'stereoscopic' effects and superimpositions were decades ahead.
Director
Abel Gance
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gance reused real soldiers and equipment on leave from the front; some died before the premiere.
The 'stereoscopic' battle scenes directly influenced Saving Private Ryan's visceral combat aesthetic 79 years later.
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