Making an American Citizen

Plot

Making an American Citizen follows the story of a recent European immigrant who brings his traditional patriarchal attitudes to America, treating his wife with the harsh dominance common in his homeland. Through a series of comedic and educational encounters with American institutions and values, the immigrant learns that in America, husbands are expected to treat their wives with respect, kindness, and equality. The film shows his transformation from an authoritarian husband to one who understands American marital customs, including proper treatment of his spouse. The narrative serves as both entertainment and social commentary on the assimilation process and American values regarding marriage and gender roles. The immigrant's journey ultimately demonstrates how American society expects men to treat their wives as equals rather than property.

Historical Background

Making an American Citizen was produced in 1912 during the height of the Progressive Era in American history, a period marked by social reform, immigration, and rapid industrialization. This was a time when over one million immigrants were arriving in America annually, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, leading to significant cultural tensions and debates about Americanization. The film emerged during the transition from nickelodeons to movie theaters as the primary venue for film exhibition. Cinema was increasingly being recognized not just as entertainment but as a powerful medium for education and social influence. The Progressive Era's emphasis on social reform, women's rights, and the assimilation of immigrants provided fertile ground for films with social messages. Alice Guy-Blaché, as a female director and studio head, was herself part of the era's progressive movement toward greater opportunities for women. The film's focus on teaching American marital values reflects the period's concern with 'proper' American family structures and the role of cinema in shaping social norms.

Making Of

Making an American Citizen was created during a prolific period for Alice Guy-Blaché at Solax Studios. The studio, which she established in 1910, was producing up to three films per week under her direction. Guy-Blaché was known for her hands-on approach to filmmaking, often writing, directing, and overseeing production. The film likely featured Solax's stock company of actors, including Lee Beggs and Blanche Cornwall who were regular performers at the studio. The production would have followed the standard practices of the era, with natural lighting, minimal sets, and straightforward camerawork. Guy-Blaché was known for her efficient directing style and ability to extract natural performances from her actors. The film's social message about American values and immigrant assimilation reflected Guy-Blaché's interest in using cinema as an educational tool, a philosophy she developed during her early years working for Gaumont in France.

Visual Style

The cinematography of Making an American Citizen would have employed standard techniques for 1912 American cinema. The film was likely shot in black and white on 35mm film using stationary cameras typical of the period. The visual style would have been straightforward and functional, with medium shots predominating to capture the actors' performances and the narrative action. Interior scenes would have been filmed on studio sets with artificial lighting, while any exterior scenes would have utilized natural light. The camera work would have been static, as camera movement was not yet common in narrative filmmaking. The visual storytelling would have relied primarily on staging, performance, and intertitles rather than sophisticated camera techniques. Guy-Blaché was known for her clear visual storytelling and efficient use of the medium, which would be evident in the film's cinematographic approach.

Innovations

Making an American Citizen does not appear to feature any major technical innovations, but it represents the solid technical standards of professional filmmaking in 1912. The film would have been shot and processed using the standard 35mm film format that had become the industry norm. As a Solax Studios production, it would have benefited from the studio's professional equipment and facilities. The film's technical significance lies more in its efficient production methods and clear storytelling techniques rather than technological breakthroughs. Alice Guy-Blaché was known for her technical competence and ability to produce films quickly without sacrificing quality. The film's survival (if it exists) would be technically valuable as an example of early American film stock and processing techniques from the pre-Hollywood era.

Music

As a silent film from 1912, Making an American Citizen would have been accompanied by live musical performance during its original exhibition. The specific musical score is not known, but typical accompaniment for short dramatic films of this period would have included piano or organ music. The musical selections would have been chosen to match the mood of each scene, with lighter, more playful music for comedic moments and more serious music for the film's moral lessons. Some theaters might have used compiled scores drawing from popular classical pieces or original compositions. The music would have been performed live by a theater musician or small ensemble, varying in quality and sophistication depending on the venue. No original soundtrack or score materials survive for this film.

Memorable Scenes

• The immigrant's initial harsh treatment of his wife, demonstrating his traditional patriarchal attitudes
• The series of encounters that teach the immigrant about American marital customs
• The final scene showing the transformed husband treating his wife with respect and kindness

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception of Making an American Citizen is difficult to determine due to the limited survival of film trade publications from 1912 and the general lack of attention given to short films in period reviews. However, films from Solax Studios were generally well-regarded in the film trade press for their technical quality and entertainment value. Alice Guy-Blaché was respected as a competent director who produced commercially successful films. Modern film historians and critics view the film as significant for its social message and as an example of Guy-Blaché's sophisticated approach to filmmaking. The film is often cited in scholarly works about early cinema, immigrant representation, and women's contributions to film history. Contemporary critics appreciate the film's progressive message about marital reform and its role in the history of American social problem films.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception of Making an American Citizen in 1912 is not well-documented, but films from Solax Studios were generally popular with contemporary audiences. The combination of comedy with a social message was a common formula that appealed to early filmgoers. Immigrant audiences would have likely found the film particularly relatable, as it addressed their experiences of adapting to American customs. The film's themes of Americanization and proper marital conduct would have resonated with Progressive Era audiences who were concerned with social reform. Modern audiences who have had the opportunity to see Guy-Blaché's work often express surprise at the sophistication of her filmmaking and the progressive nature of her social commentary. The film serves as an important historical document for contemporary viewers interested in early cinema and women's contributions to film history.

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