Cast
Guy Bates Post
Omar the tentmaker
Virginia Brown Faire
Shireen
Nigel De Brulier
Nizam ul Mulk
Noah Beery
The shah of shahs
Rose Dione
Shah's mother
Patsy Ruth Miller
Little Shireen
Douglas Gerrard
Hassan
Will Jim Hatton
Little Mahruss
Boris Karloff
Imam Mowaffak
Maurice 'Lefty' Flynn
The Christian Crusader (as Maurice B. Flynn)
Edward Kimball
Omar's father (as Edward M. Kimball)
Walter Long
The executioner
Evelyn Selbie
Zarah
John Gribner
Mahruss
Gordon Mullen
Emissary to the Shah
Crew
Director
- James Young
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Omar the Tentmaker examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James Young brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1922, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Omar the Tentmaker took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1922, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Omar the Tentmaker shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Color of Pomegranates, which focuses more on action than character development, Omar the Tentmaker offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kartini: Princess of Java and C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America explore similar territory, Omar the Tentmaker stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 22, 1922
- Runtime: 1h 20m
