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A Mississippi Tragedy

A Mississippi Tragedy (1913)

Apr 05, 1913 23m Drama

Calhoun, a planter, lives with his son and daughter, James and Martha. He strongly objects to young Gordon, who has been paying court to Martha and who has the reputation of being a gambler. Calhoun forbids Gordon from entering the house. One day as Gordon is traveling up the river he sees Calhoun who is returning from the sale of his cotton crop and is counting his money on the deck. Meredith, an unscrupulous gambler, also notices Calhoun and determines to relieve him of his money.

Directed by Kenean Buel

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kenean Buel

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, A Mississippi Tragedy 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 Kenean Buel 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 1913, 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 A Mississippi Tragedy took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 23 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 61 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 362 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1913, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Mississippi Tragedy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Hard Eight, which focuses more on action than character development, A Mississippi Tragedy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like 21 and A River Runs Through It explore similar territory, A Mississippi Tragedy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: April 5, 1913
  • Runtime: 23m

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