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Silence is silver
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Three shows, three icons, one orchestra and one nationally recognized guru – tonight the Egyptian Theatre is buzzing over a wonderful and unique show. It is the 2008 Musical Movies Project, which is a brilliant pairing of three iconic silent films and the Treasure Valley Youth Orchestra.
Silent films were not always “silent” in the purest interpretation of the word. Generally the visuals of the movie would be supplemented with deep and bellowing music from a theatre organ or possibly even a full orchestra. It is precisely that electric dynamic that the Boise Philharmonic is presenting to tonight’s audience.
Ben Model, who for more than the past two decades has served as resident silent film accompanist for the Museum of Modern Art in New York, is coming to Boise tonight for the spectacular event.
Model has toured the United States performing and lecturing about the beautiful genre of silent film.
As an “accompanist,” it is Model’s duty to compose and perform musical arrangements to coincide with the silent screen’s visual components. Model composes all of his own material for these films and all the while maintains his awareness for contemporary themes and sound.
The first movie to be viewed was shot in Priest Lake, Idaho. This feature is Nell Shipman’s “The Light on Lookout” (originally released in 1923) with a composition by Model. Shipman has a solidified space in motion picture history as a writer, actress and director. She preferred the action genre and even performed her own stunts. A common theme within Shipman’s films is a strong female heroine who triumphantly saves the day.
The second film to be presented is Buster Keaton’s “One Week” (originally released in 1920) which will also be viewed with a musical composition written by Model.
Keaton is considered to be one of the most innovative and influential directors of all time. Beyond his work behind the camera, Keaton was found in front of it performing in all of his films.
Keaton also performed his own stunts. During one film he broke his neck in an accident on set; he had not realized the severity of the accident until a few years later.
The final film to be viewed this evening is “Love” (originally released in 1919) by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. Model will actually perform during this show on the Egyptian Theatre’s organ. Arbuckle was one of the most renowned actors during his era. He was awarded the first multi-year/multi-million dollar contract by a Hollywood-based production company.
Alison Baldwin, who is the education director for the Boise Philharmonic, encourages everyone to come see the show tonight.
“For kids, it will be a great learning experience,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin is very excited about tonight’s show.
“People don’t think of how much music is involved in movies. How much it affects the different moments,” she said. “I think ‘Cast Away’ is the only movie recently that hasn’t used much music or used music to enhance [the] movie.”
During the day, an early show will be put on for upper-elementary school students as well as middle school students.
Admission is available for everyone during the evening shows, which begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $7 for children/seniors and the $31 for the family pass (2 adults and 4 children).
BOB BEERS
Culture Writer
