Il matrimonio di Figaro

This short feature -- about three reels, which was a major production in 1913 -- of Beaumarchais' ribald work, shows most of the strengths and weaknesses of Italian film making in 1913.

The technical values are exemplary. The backgrounds are fine, making use of the natural world and excellent sets. The costuming is on a par with that, and the camera-work, although stodgy to the modern eye -- it never moves and the cuts are all leisurely -- are handsomely chosen and get the job done. The acting is good, with most of the actors very restrained except for the moments when they should be stagy -- for example, when Figaro and Susanna are plotting.

The two problems I have with this version, and they are major ones, are, first, this is a story made for slapstick, and none is available. It is told seriously and loses a lot by that. That, however, is largely an artifact of the film being too short. Plot points for the first half are largely advanced by title cards and then a bit of acting -- the 'animated text' style of film making that would shortly go out of style.

The version that is available on the Europa film site is a handsome print with every scene tinted and only the slightest amount of decomposition. If you want to see what good Italian film making was like in 1913, this is the one for you, but I caution you: time has certainly dimmed its luster.

This picture production is certainly worthy of the highest commendation, especially from a scenic and costume point of view. The man who selected the many beautiful scenes involved, the angles selected by the cameraman and the superior directorship were in perfect harmony. The acting in some cases was slightly exaggerated, but on the whole, it is an elegant production. - The Moving Picture World, February 21, 1914