Hypocrites is a silent film that deals with issues on a deeper level. Most silent films of this time were not complex and did not deal with controversial issues. Moral hypocrisy and religious materialism were two main themes explored in this film. It begins with a minister preaching to his congregation who are obviously not truly absorbing what he is saying. The monk creates a statue of a naked woman who represents truth. It is based on the story of Adam and Eve. For this day in age, it was extremely scandalous to display such a figure. Ironically, he is killed by the angry mob. The minister seems hopeless after his sermon, because he can see how the words of God have no meaning to his rather snobby church audience. The sequence after represents how the righteous path to heaven is very difficult and the path to hell is easy and full of sin. Some women try to follow him up the steep and narrow climb, but most cannot handle it and once again fall down into sin. Weber, the director, was very talented when creating this film. The exposures and complicated editing helped to not only create excellent films, but it also helped boost her career. She was ahead of her time with this film, due to the subject matter, editing skills, technology, and the fact that she was willing to use scandalous material to make a heavy point. The soundtrack in this film matched the circumstance well. Classical music was used, and it reflected the feelings well. Overall, this movie was successful in presenting its point and doing so in a professional, avant garde manner.
Review of Hypocrites
