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Whatsoever a Man Soweth

Whatsoever a Man Soweth (1917)

Mar 06, 1917 38m Drama

...made to educate and warn Canadian troops about the dangers of catching venereal disease. As the biblical title suggests, it is essentially a straight sermon, a form that its target audience would have found familiar both from church at home and during their military service. The protagonist is warned, is tempted to ignore the advice, is rescued in the nick of time by a well-wisher and is finally shown the devastating consequences in another that he has so narrowly avoided. (BFI Screenonline)

Directed by Joseph Best

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Joseph Best

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Whatsoever a Man Soweth 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 Joseph Best 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 1917, 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 Whatsoever a Man Soweth took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 38 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 85 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 122 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1551 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1917, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Whatsoever a Man Soweth shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Soldier, which focuses more on action than character development, Whatsoever a Man Soweth subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Desperate Measures and Click explore similar territory, Whatsoever a Man Soweth 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: March 6, 1917
  • Runtime: 38m

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