Slideshow
ABEL GANCE: THE CHARM OF DYNAMITE
Recorded introduction by KEVIN BROWNLOW, filmed especially for this series on October 20, 2025 at BFI Southbank, London.
U.K., 1968
Directed by Kevin Brownlow
Narrated by Lindsay Anderson
Approx. 52 min. DCP.
“Gance is one of the giants of the cinema. Some historians hail him as the D.W. Griffith of Europe, others dismiss him as the De Mille of France. Both realize his importance, neither fully comprehend his talents... The motion picture industry, in France and elsewhere, was alarmed by Gance's monumental talents, and frightened by his revolutionary ideas. They determined to control him, and to limit the length of his artistic leash. Unfortunately for all of us, they succeeded...” – Kevin Brownlow, The Parade’s Gone By
Reviews
“The most complete English-language introduction to Gance's work.”
– BAMPFA