Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness

Plot

Chang follows the daily struggles of Kru, a humble farmer living with his wife Chantui and their children deep in the jungles of Northern Siam. The family's life is a constant battle against the wilderness, as they must protect their crops from wild animals and their home from the elements. Their existence is dramatically disrupted when a massive herd of elephants descends upon their village, trampling their fields and destroying their home. After the devastation, the family must rebuild from scratch while facing continued threats from tigers, leopards, and other jungle predators. The film culminates in an extraordinary sequence where the villagers unite to capture a wild elephant, showcasing their intricate relationship with the natural world and their remarkable survival skills in one of Earth's most challenging environments.

Historical Background

'Chang' was created during a transformative period in cinema history, occurring between the establishment of Hollywood as the global film capital and the transition from silent to sound films. The mid-1920s saw growing interest in ethnographic and expedition films, fueled by Western fascination with exotic cultures and distant lands. This era also marked the beginning of documentary filmmaking as a distinct genre, with pioneers like Robert Flaherty ('Nanook of the North') establishing new approaches to non-fiction cinema. The film's production coincided with the height of colonial exploration and Western interest in Southeast Asia, though it was relatively respectful in its portrayal of indigenous life compared to many contemporary works. The late 1920s also saw technological advances in portable camera equipment, making location filming in remote areas increasingly feasible. 'Chang' emerged at this crossroads of technological innovation, cultural curiosity, and artistic experimentation, helping to establish new possibilities for both documentary and narrative filmmaking.

Making Of

The making of 'Chang' was an extraordinary feat of filmmaking that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the 1920s. Directors Cooper and Schoedsack, inspired by their previous documentary 'Grass' (1925), journeyed to Northern Siam with minimal equipment and a small crew. They lived alongside the local family for months, learning their language and customs while planning the film. The production faced constant challenges from the harsh jungle environment, including monsoons, disease-carrying insects, and the ever-present danger of wild animals. The filmmakers developed innovative techniques for wildlife photography, including building elevated platforms in trees and using long lenses to safely capture animal behavior. Many sequences that appear spontaneous were actually carefully orchestrated with the help of local villagers who understood animal behavior. The famous elephant stampede scene required the crew to dig trenches and hide cameras while coordinating with villagers to drive the animals through the village set. The production's authenticity came from its genuine integration with the local community and its willingness to wait for natural events to unfold, sometimes taking weeks to capture a single perfect shot.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Chang' was revolutionary for its time, employing techniques that were groundbreaking in the mid-1920s. Cinematographer Ernest B. Schoedsack (who also co-directed) developed innovative methods for capturing wildlife in their natural habitat, including the use of elevated platforms in trees and specially designed camera housings that could withstand the harsh jungle environment. The film features remarkable long shots that establish the vastness of the jungle and intimate close-ups that capture the emotional faces of its human subjects. The camera work during animal sequences was particularly daring, with photographers often placing themselves in dangerous positions to achieve dramatic footage. The use of natural lighting throughout creates an authentic, documentary feel, while the composition of shots demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of visual storytelling. The film's most celebrated sequence - the elephant stampede - was captured using multiple cameras strategically placed to show the destruction from various angles, a technique that would become standard in action filmmaking. The cinematography successfully balances the grand scale of nature with intimate human moments, creating a visual language that influenced both documentary and narrative cinema for decades.

Innovations

'Chang' pioneered numerous technical innovations that would influence filmmaking for decades. The production team developed custom camera equipment capable of withstanding extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations in the jungle environment. They created innovative camera housings and protective gear that allowed for filming in dangerous situations, including underwater scenes and close wildlife encounters. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the action sequences, established new standards for building tension and excitement in documentary footage. The use of multiple cameras to capture single events from different angles was revolutionary for its time. The production team also developed methods for transporting heavy equipment through difficult terrain, including building makeshift roads and using local elephants as pack animals. The film's special effects, while minimal, included clever use of miniatures and forced perspective shots that enhanced the scale of the jungle environment. The synchronization of real animal behavior with planned narrative sequences demonstrated unprecedented planning and technical skill. These achievements were particularly remarkable given the limitations of 1920s technology and the remote filming locations.

Music

As a silent film, 'Chang' was originally presented with live musical accompaniment that varied by theater. The score was typically composed by the theater's music director and ranged from full orchestral arrangements in urban movie palaces to simple piano accompaniment in smaller venues. The music emphasized the film's dramatic moments, particularly during animal attack sequences, and used authentic-sounding Asian-inspired motifs during scenes of village life. When the film was re-released in later years, various recorded scores were created, including versions by contemporary composers who attempted to blend traditional Siamese music with Western orchestral traditions. Some modern screenings feature newly commissioned scores that incorporate authentic Thai instruments and musical scales. The absence of dialogue in the original version meant that intertitles carried the narrative, but the visual storytelling was so effective that many scenes needed no text at all. The sound design in modern restorations includes ambient jungle sounds and animal noises that enhance the immersive experience while maintaining the film's documentary authenticity.

Memorable Scenes

• The devastating elephant stampede through the village, where massive elephants trample houses and crops in a terrifying display of nature's power
• The tense tiger attack sequence where a leopard stalks the family's livestock and must be fought off with primitive weapons
• The climactic elephant capture scene where the entire village works together using ancient techniques to trap and subdue a wild elephant
• The opening sequence establishing the family's daily routine and their harmonious relationship with the jungle environment
• The monsoon sequence showing the family's struggle against torrential rains and flooding

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Chang' as a groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking. The New York Times hailed it as 'a remarkable picture of primitive life' that 'combines the educational value of a travelogue with the dramatic intensity of a feature film.' Variety called it 'one of the most exciting pictures ever produced' and particularly praised its 'thrilling animal sequences.' Modern critics recognize the film's historical importance while acknowledging its problematic elements. The Village Voice described it as 'a stunning achievement that blurs the line between documentary and fiction.' Film historian Kevin Brownlow noted that 'Chang' 'established a template for the adventure documentary that would influence filmmakers for decades.' Some contemporary reviewers criticize the film's staging of events and its romanticized view of jungle life, but most agree that its technical achievements and emotional power remain impressive. The film's selection for the National Film Registry in 1999 confirms its enduring cultural and artistic significance.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 were captivated by 'Chang's exotic locations and thrilling sequences. The film was a box office success, particularly in urban centers where audiences were hungry for glimpses of distant lands. Many viewers reported being genuinely frightened by the animal attack scenes, which were unprecedented in their realism. The film's human elements resonated strongly with Depression-era audiences who could relate to themes of struggle and survival against overwhelming odds. Contemporary audiences viewing the film today often express admiration for its technical achievements and authentic feel, though some find the pacing slow by modern standards. The film maintains a cult following among classic film enthusiasts and documentary scholars. Online reviews frequently praise its 'breathtaking cinematography' and 'gripping narrative' while noting its historical importance as an early example of the documentary form. The film's power to transport viewers to another time and place remains undiminished after nearly a century.

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