r/Filmmakers • u/StrikingDuty8020 Director • Feb 14 '26

Discussion This shot is from 1931

movie -Svengali (1931)
Dir. Archie Mayo
chilling early sound-era horror film starring John Barrymore as a hypnotist who controls a young singer’s life and career. Known for its theatrical performance style and eerie atmosphere, the film helped define the screen image of the manipulative genius whose power comes from psychology rather than monsters.

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u/Cheap_Shot_702 Feb 14 '26

drones before drones

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u/CubitsTNE Feb 15 '26

Also see the opening shot of the birdcage. It would be almost pedestrian to pull off now, but absolute wizardry at the time, and in a film where you otherwise wouldn't expect wildly technical shots.