Ten Commandments (1923) (Silent) (B&W)

Ten Commandments (1923) (Silent) (B&W)
Customer Review: Ehhh
I watched this one thinking it was going to be like the 1950's version and was surprised when it wasn't. The first part of the film is actually about Moses and the Ten Commandments. The second part of the film is a modern story dealing with the Ten Commandments. The first part of the film was the part that I really liked. It was pretty well done considering it was a silent film, and almost had to be over the top to get across its point to you. It was the second part that just dragged the whole movie down for me. I felt that part was just too long and spent time on scenes that didn't really need it. It lingered and lingered when it could have moved on to something else. It was well done, but just too long. And I say this as a person who appreciates the art of silent film. I know some of them were long, but this didn't keep my interest. If you're looking for the 1950's classic done in a silent version just watch the first part and skip the second. Or just come back to it at a later time.
Customer Review: AN OK FILM, BUT GETS BOGGED DOWN IN THE MIDDLE
Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 silent film of "The Ten Commandments" is a decent work from one of Hollywood's most influential and controversial directors. Unlike DeMille's more powerful 1956 remake with Charlton Heston, the story of Moses and the Hebrews being delivered out of Egypt takes up only about a fourth of the film. But that part is truly spectacular, featuring beautiful cinematography, enormous sets, and visual effects that were cutting-edge for the silent film era. However, most of this film is set in the 1920s, and concerns how a family is torn apart, as one son sets himself on living by the commandments set down by God, and the other decides to reject the words of his mother, and live his life free of those commandments. Sadly, this part of the film is mostly uninteresting, as the story gets too involved in "preaching" to the audience. However, the last few minutes are great, as the story of Jesus curing a person of leprosy is told with great reverence. This film comes as a part of theThe Ten Commandments (50th Anniversary Collection) DVD. Overall, this is an OK film that fans of DeMille will find interesting, if a little too dry. Grade: B-