The Crowd (1928)

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards:

Best Unique and Artistic Picture

M-G-M

Best Directing (Dramatic Picture)

King Vidor

It won 0 Oscars out of a total of 2 nominations in 1927-28.


The Crowd is a social drama that concerns itself with candid realism and the human condition of ordinary people.  It is centralized around a character named Sims, who is a working stiff with big dreams for himself.  Not everything is soothing syrup, however.  This notion is all too apparent as Sims finds himself to be lost and out of step with the masses.  He is no longer a name, he is a number.  And his endurance through the hardships of day-to-day living ultimately spirals him into a downward trajectory amidst the isolation of city life.  Working through martial problems and a dead-end job, his prospects evolve into the middling goal of being in-step with “the crowd.”

This film had a few problems during production concerning its heavy-natured themes.  At the time, studios did not like to release films that were considered depressing or serious in tone.  It was King Vidor’s track record that afforded him the privilege of being allowed to do the project, and the film went on to receive critical acclaim and even conjured up profit at the box office.

In the worldwide book of firsts:  this film is credited as being the first film to show a toilet on-screen.


Editorial:

It is mind-blowing how topical and relevant this film can be so many decades later.  Thematically, you would think that this movie could have been made even today.  I have seen this film on several of those “1001 Films to See Before You Die” lists, and I would have a hard time arguing against its inclusion.  It is a strong piece that demonstrates human struggle, and the importance that society places on the sense of belonging, in a timeless, effective way.

Score  |  10/10  |  This motion picture is required viewing.