Zaza

Plot

Zaza is a captivating performer at an open-air theater in a small French provincial town, delighting audiences with her singing and charismatic stage presence. When sophisticated diplomat Bernard Dufresne visits the village, he initially keeps his distance, fearing he will fall under her spell. During one performance, while Zaza is singing on a swing, her jealous rival sabotages the equipment, causing Zaza to fall and sustain serious injuries. This incident brings Bernard to her side, and they quickly develop a passionate romance, with him installing her in a luxurious villa where they enjoy their love affair. Their happiness is shattered when Bernard's wife unexpectedly appears, revealing his marriage and forcing Zaza to confront the painful reality of their relationship.

Historical Background

'Zaza' was released during a transformative period in cinema history, when Hollywood was establishing itself as the global center of film production. The early 1920s represented the height of the silent film era, just before the transition to sound would revolutionize the industry. This film reflects the post-WWI American fascination with European sophistication and romance that characterized many popular films of the period. 1923 was also a year of significant technical advancements in film equipment and cinematography techniques, allowing for more sophisticated camera movements and lighting effects. The film industry was rapidly consolidating during this time, with major studios like Paramount establishing the star system and production methods that would dominate Hollywood for decades. 'Zaza' emerged during the Jazz Age, when social mores were changing and audiences were increasingly drawn to stories that explored more complex themes of sexuality and relationships.

Making Of

The production of 'Zaza' was marked by Gloria Swanson's growing influence and creative control at Paramount Pictures. She had significant input in costume selection, script development, and even casting decisions. Director Allan Dwan, known for his smooth working relationships with actors, developed a strong professional rapport with Swanson during filming. The swing sequence required extensive planning and safety measures, with the production team initially considering stunt doubles before Swanson insisted on performing the scene herself to maintain authenticity. The production design team spent weeks constructing detailed French provincial sets on the Paramount backlot, importing authentic props and furnishings from Europe. The film was shot relatively quickly even by 1920s standards, with Dwan's efficient directing style allowing the production to stay on schedule and within budget.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Zaza' reflects the sophisticated visual style that characterized Paramount productions during the early 1920s. The film features careful lighting design that enhances the romantic and dramatic elements of the story, with particular attention to the interplay of light and shadow in key emotional scenes. The swing sequence was especially notable for its technical complexity, requiring careful camera placement and timing to capture the action effectively while maintaining visual continuity. The film's visual composition demonstrates the growing artistry of silent film cinematography, with careful attention to framing and movement that enhances the storytelling without dialogue. The cinematographer employed innovative camera techniques for the time, including tracking shots that follow characters through the villa sets, creating a sense of fluid motion that adds to the film's romantic atmosphere.

Innovations

While 'Zaza' does not feature revolutionary technical innovations, it represents the refinement of filmmaking techniques that characterized mature silent era productions. The film demonstrates sophisticated camera work and lighting that enhances the storytelling without dialogue. The swing sequence required careful technical planning to execute safely and effectively, involving the construction of a special rigging system that could be controlled precisely by the crew. The film's production values reflect Paramount's commitment to high-quality productions during this period, with attention to set design, costumes, and visual effects that elevated the material beyond typical melodramas of the era. The film also showcases the advanced editing techniques that had been developed by the early 1920s, with smooth transitions between scenes and effective use of cross-cutting to build dramatic tension.

Music

As a silent film, 'Zaza' would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. Major theaters typically employed full orchestras while smaller venues used skilled organists or pianists to provide musical accompaniment tailored to each scene. The score likely drew from popular classical pieces and original compositions that matched the film's romantic and dramatic moods. French-inspired music would have been particularly appropriate given the film's setting. Unfortunately, specific details about the original musical accompaniment for 'Zaza' are not well-documented in surviving sources, which is common for films of this era. However, contemporary accounts suggest that Paramount provided cue sheets to theaters with suggested musical selections for key scenes.

Memorable Scenes

• The swing accident sequence where Zaza falls during her performance - this dramatic moment serves as the catalyst for the romance between Zaza and Bernard and showcases Swanson's physical acting abilities
• The scene where Bernard's wife appears at the villa, revealing the truth about his marriage and forcing the central conflict to come to a head
• Zaza's final confrontation with Bernard where she must decide the fate of their relationship, demonstrating her character's strength and independence

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised Gloria Swanson's performance in 'Zaza' as one of her finest, with particular attention to her emotional range and physical expressiveness in the role. The film was lauded for its visual sophistication and the effective adaptation of the stage play to cinematic form. Variety noted that Swanson 'gives a performance that will long be remembered' while Photoplay praised the film's 'romantic charm and dramatic power.' Modern film historians consider 'Zaza' an important example of Swanson's work and a representative film of the sophisticated romantic dramas of the early 1920s. Critics have noted how the film showcases Swanson's ability to combine glamour with emotional depth, a combination that made her one of the era's most enduring stars. The film is often cited as a prime example of the mature storytelling techniques that had developed in silent cinema by the early 1920s.

What Audiences Thought

'Zaza' was a significant box office success upon its release, capitalizing on Gloria Swanson's immense popularity with movie audiences of the early 1920s. The film's romantic storyline and dramatic elements resonated strongly with audiences, particularly women who identified with Swanson's independent and passionate character. Contemporary audience reactions, as documented in trade publications and fan magazines of the time, were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's emotional impact and Swanson's charismatic performance. The film's success further cemented Swanson's status as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, leading to increased salary demands and more creative control over her subsequent projects. Movie theaters reported strong attendance figures, and the film ran for extended engagements in major cities, indicating sustained audience interest.

You Might Also Like