Silent Cinema on the South Bank

It will come as no certain surprise to hear that silent cinema has become something of a trend in London of late. Could it be something to do with a certain award-hogging film? Yes. Definitely. But while I am not usually one for bandwagon jumping this is one that I am all for jumping aboard. Quietly, mind.

We have much to thank Michel Hazanavicius for – a thanks that for me extends beyond those blissful 100 minutes of monochrome delight, introducing the world to the archetypal French cheeky chappy Jean Dujardin but to this aforementioned silent cinema revival. In an industry that is dominated by all things loud, brash and outspoken, it is about time we sat back and let the music do the talking.

Kicking off what will undoubtedly become a new obsession, let alone trend, the Southbank Centre’s majestic Royal Festival Hall proved the perfect place to stage an extravagant screening of FW Murnau’s legendary, Faust (1926). Aptly introduced by self-proclaimed king of over enthusiastic facial expressions, Hugh Grant, the evening began with the right amount of affable campness and high-brow atmosphere as the Philharmonic Orchestra and Emmy Award-winning Benjamin Wallfisch took to the stage to bring Faust to life.

Performing a stunning score written specifically for the film by one of Britain’s rising stars – and ‘chum’ of Hugh Grant – Aphrodite Raickopoulou, the music circulated around the staggering piano improvisations of Gabriela Montero. It never fails to surprise me how quickly goosebumps can appear in the presence of such a powerful performance, even in the most temporally controlled theatre.

Wholly absorbed in the surreal moral tale unfolding on screen, the music soars matching frame to stave as alchemist Faust sells his soul to Mephisto, played by Emil Jannings – winner of the first ever Best Actor Oscar, director of Nazi propaganda and, in my opinion, possible contender for Paul Ross lookalike…

At times slapstick and hilarious, then surreal and truly eerie, Faust presents an astonishing glimpse into the capabilities and experiments taking place in cinema at the time, which, accompanied by the live orchestra, created a more powerfully all encompassing cinematic experience than most modern films.

Sadly Faust was a one off event… But happily, silent cinema is back with a vengeance.

As part of the Dicken’s on Screen season, on Tuesday 6 and Friday 9 March, the BFI presents a rare and recently restored short film of Charles Dicken’s classic, Our Mutual Friend, directed by AW Sandberg, accompanied by live piano.

Kings Place continue their monthly silent cinema event, Not So Silent Movies, offering up top musicians performing spontaneous soundtracks to the world’s greatest silent films – and delicious Sunday Roast offers in the restaurant. Composer and cellist Philip Sheppard explains this unique concept; ‘There are no rehearsals. None of the musicians have watched the films in advance. Improvisation before a live audience will begin as the film rolls…’ For only £12.50, I can think of no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon that promises as much hilarity and suspense as the film itself.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, the (sadly downsized) Birds Eye View, return with another fantastic evening of silent films accompanied by live music by three female artists in association with this year’s Women of the World Festival at the Southbank Centre. This year, on Friday 9 March, BEV presents the next edition of Sounds & Silents: Mary Pickford Revived, screening three of her early visionary short films, Amarilly of Clothes-Line Alley (1912) accompanied by Welsh/Iranian folk fusion singer songwriter Roshi, The New York Hat (1912) with live score from classical/electronic composer Anna Meredith and the aptly titled The Female of the Species scored by experimental pop multi-instrumentalist Tanya Auclair.

A happy hat trick of great film, live music and celebrating a century of talented ladies. Tickets for Sounds & Silents are available from the Southbank Centre.

While we can’t promise fearless canine companions or beautiful dancing girls, ears open as London welcomes some silence into its films. Just because the cinema is silent, does not mean it’s a secret.

Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
Waterloo
SE1 8XX

Tel: 0844 545 8282

King’s Place
90 York Way
King’s Cross
N1 9AG

Tel: 020 7520 1485