From Ephemeral to Enduring

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Dragon Painter (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 1919, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 1m
Director(s): William Worthington
Writer(s): Richard Schayer, Mary McNeil Fenollosa
Cast: Sessue Hayakawa, Tsuru Aoki, Edward Peil Sr., Toyo Fujita
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: William Worthington's THE DRAGON PAINTER untangles a tapestry of mystical romance and artistic fervor, anchored by Sessue Hayakawa's riveting performance as Tatsu. This character, a painter entrapped by the conviction that his beloved has been transformed into a dragon, embodies a depth that stands out against the era’s limited roles for Asian actors. Hayakawa's portrayal pulses with an expressive role that elevates the film beyond the silent cinema genre.

Nestled in the stunning Yosemite Valley, which stands for the Japanese landscape, the film uses its natural settings to amplify the story's ethereal qualities. The strategic use of color tinting, especially the haunting moonlit blues, infuses scenes with a dreamy quality that starkly contrasts the typical, often caricatured depictions of Asia prevalent in early Hollywood productions.

A crucial aspect of THE DRAGON PAINTER is its forward-thinking cast choices. The film features a predominantly Japanese ensemble, including Hayakawa’s real-life spouse, Tsuru Aoki. Aoki’s portrayal of Ume-ko brings a nuanced strength to her role, challenging the period's stereotypical representations of Asian women and adding layers of realism to the film. This casting enriches the narrative and confronts the racial prejudices rampant during that era.

Another aspect worth discussing in THE DRAGON PAINTER is the film's impact on the representation of Asian artists in Western cinema. At a time when Asian characters were portrayed mainly through a lens of exoticism, THE DRAGON PAINTER presented its characters with dignity and complexity. This portrayal provided a much-needed counterpoint to prevailing stereotypes and opened up discussions about the depth Asian actors could bring to mainstream films. This theme underscores the film's significance as a cultural artifact that challenged and reshaped early 20th-century cinematic norms regarding race and representation.

Despite its artistic merits, THE DRAGON PAINTER was nearly forgotten until a significant restoration effort in the 1980s by the American Film Institute and George Eastman House brought it back to public attention. However, the film does not escape critique; some viewers argue that the plot leans too heavily on coincidences and melodrama, potentially overshadowing Hayakawa’s nuanced performance.

Exploring themes of artistic passion and personal strife, the film depicts how Tatsu's creativity is inextricably linked to his emotions—flourishing in moments of longing and subdued when contentment is achieved. Worthington captures this transformation, utilizing expansive landscapes and dynamic lighting to parallel the grandeur seen in the works of director mainstays of the era.

The inclusion of THE DRAGON PAINTER in the National Film Registry highlights its enduring significance as a culturally, historically, and aesthetically important work. Celebrated not just for its narrative but also as a groundbreaking piece of cinema that challenged racial and cultural confines, Hayakawa's dual role as both actor and producer underscores his dedication to presenting Asian culture with dignity and complexity, setting a path for future cinematic endeavors.

Product Extras:
Two scores for The Dragon Painter – by Mas Koga and Makia Matsumura
Reconstructing The Dragon Painter (2024, 66 min.)
His Birthright (1918, 47 min., starring Sessue Hayakawa)
The Man Beneath (1919, 66 min., starring Sessue Hayakawa)
Illustrated booklet
Optional Dutch, French, German, and Spanish subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, THE MILESTONE CINEMATHEQUE]

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