The Face of The Deep! Forbidden Love and the Intricacies of Family Duty

Delving into the cinematic tapestry of 1918, a year fraught with both global turmoil and artistic innovation, one film stands out as a captivating testament to the silent era’s power: The Face of the Deep. Directed by Chester Withey and starring the enigmatic Percy Standing, this melodrama weaves a tale of forbidden love intertwined with familial duty against the backdrop of a sprawling New England estate.

The Face of The Deep, released in an age before sound revolutionized cinema, relied heavily on visual storytelling and intertitles to convey its intricate narrative. The film centers around Edward Thornton (Standing), a young man torn between his affections for the spirited Lillian, played by the ethereal Gladys Brockwell, and his responsibility towards his ailing mother and their esteemed family name.

Edward’s world is turned upside down when he encounters Lillian, a free-spirited artist who challenges his traditional upbringing. Their connection is immediate and intense, sparking a romance that defies societal norms. However, their budding love faces numerous obstacles. Edward’s overbearing mother disapproves of Lillian’s unconventional background, viewing her as unworthy of her son.

Furthermore, Lillian harbors a secret: she is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman who abandoned her at birth. This revelation throws Edward into turmoil, questioning his loyalties and the true meaning of love and acceptance. The film masterfully portrays the internal struggles of its protagonist, capturing his angst and indecision through Standing’s nuanced performance.

The supporting cast of The Face of the Deep also shines brightly. Gladys Brockwell brings a vibrancy and depth to Lillian, portraying her as a woman who is both vulnerable and fiercely independent. The veteran character actress Edith Story delivers a powerful portrayal of Edward’s mother, conveying both her love for her son and her staunch adherence to social conventions.

Visually, The Face of The Deep is a triumph of early cinematic aesthetics. The film employs evocative camerawork, capturing the grandeur of the New England landscape and the intimacy of the Thornton family home.

The intertitles, though simple in design, effectively convey the emotional complexities of the story, acting as bridges between visually-driven scenes.

Beyond the Plot: Themes and Societal Context

While The Face of The Deep may appear to be a straightforward melodrama on the surface, it delves into deeper themes relevant to its era:

• Class Divisions: The stark contrast between Edward’s wealthy upbringing and Lillian’s humble beginnings highlights the rigid class structures prevalent in early 20th century America.

• The Weight of Tradition: Edward’s struggle to reconcile his love for Lillian with his duty to his family exemplifies the clash between personal desires and societal expectations.

• The Search for Identity: Lillian’s quest to discover her true origins reflects the broader societal anxieties surrounding identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.

The film’s exploration of these themes, presented through its captivating narrative and nuanced performances, makes The Face of The Deep a cinematic gem worth rediscovering.

Rediscovering a Lost Gem

While not as widely known as some other silent era classics, The Face of the Deep offers a unique glimpse into the early days of filmmaking and the complexities of human relationships. For cinephiles seeking to explore beyond the familiar canon, this film presents a rich tapestry of emotions, societal commentary, and artistic brilliance.

Today, copies of The Face of The Deep are rare and often reside in archival collections. However, dedicated film preservationists continue to work tirelessly to restore these fragile treasures and make them accessible to future generations.

The Face of the Deep, like many silent films, may seem foreign to modern viewers accustomed to sound and elaborate special effects. But beneath its seemingly simple façade lies a powerful story that transcends time, reminding us of the enduring human need for love, acceptance, and the courage to break free from societal constraints.