Madeleine Erickson

Madeleine Erickson

Actor

Active: 1923

About Madeleine Erickson

Madeleine Erickson was a French actress who had a brief but notable career during the golden age of French silent cinema. She appeared in two significant films in 1923, most notably Jean Epstein's masterpiece 'Cœur fidèle,' which is now recognized as a landmark of French impressionist cinema. Her role in 'Cœur fidèle' placed her alongside the film's star Gina Manès, who played the protagonist Marie. Erickson also appeared in 'A Good Little Devil' (1923), further establishing her presence in French cinema during this pivotal year. Despite her appearances in these important films, her career appears to have been extremely brief, with no recorded film credits beyond 1923. Like many actors of the silent era, particularly those with supporting roles, her life story and career details remain largely undocumented in film history archives.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Jean Epstein's influential film 'Cœur fidèle' (1923)
  • Acted in 'A Good Little Devil' (1923) during the peak of French silent cinema

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Supporting role in 'Cœur fidèle' (1923)

Must-See Films

  • Cœur fidèle (1923)
  • A Good Little Devil (1923)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Jean Epstein (director)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Madeleine Erickson's cultural impact is primarily tied to her participation in 'Cœur fidèle,' one of the most important films of the French impressionist movement. Although her role was not the lead, her contribution to this cinematic masterpiece places her within the context of a revolutionary period in French film history. The film itself, directed by Jean Epstein, is celebrated for its innovative cinematography, emotional intensity, and technical experimentation that influenced generations of filmmakers. While Erickson herself may not have achieved lasting fame, her association with this landmark work ensures her place in the historical record of cinema's artistic development.

Lasting Legacy

Madeleine Erickson's legacy is that of a representative figure from the vast pool of talented actors who contributed to cinema's formative years but whose individual stories have been largely lost to time. Her participation in 'Cœur fidèle' ensures that her name appears in film history discussions about French impressionist cinema, even if her personal story remains obscure. She represents the countless supporting actors and actresses who were essential to creating the masterpieces of silent cinema but whose names have faded from popular memory. Her brief career serves as a reminder of the transient nature of fame in early cinema and the many talented individuals who contributed to film's artistic development without achieving lasting recognition.

Who They Inspired

Due to the brevity of her career and the lack of documentation about her work beyond her two film appearances, there is no recorded evidence of Madeleine Erickson's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. Her influence exists only through her participation in 'Cœur fidèle,' a film that continues to be studied by film scholars and cited as an example of cinematic innovation. The film itself has influenced countless directors, though Erickson's individual contribution to this influence cannot be specifically measured.

Off Screen

Very little is documented about Madeleine Erickson's personal life, which is not uncommon for actors of the silent era who had brief careers or minor roles. Her disappearance from film records after 1923 suggests she may have left the entertainment industry, married, or pursued other career paths.

Did You Know?

  • Madeleine Erickson's entire known film career consists of only two films, both released in 1923
  • Her most notable film 'Cœur fidèle' is considered a masterpiece of French impressionist cinema
  • The film 'Cœur fidèle' was directed by Jean Epstein, one of the pioneers of avant-garde cinema
  • Despite appearing in a significant film, very little biographical information about Erickson exists
  • Her career coincided with the peak of French silent cinema's artistic innovation
  • The lack of information about her is typical of many supporting actors from the silent era
  • Her disappearance from film records after 1923 suggests she may have left acting entirely
  • Both of her films were released during a pivotal year for French cinema

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Madeleine Erickson?

Madeleine Erickson was a French actress who had a brief career in silent cinema, appearing in two films in 1923, most notably Jean Epstein's influential film 'Cœur fidèle.' Her career appears to have been extremely short-lived, with no recorded film work beyond that single year.

What films is Madeleine Erickson best known for?

Madeleine Erickson is known for her appearances in 'Cœur fidèle' (1923), considered a masterpiece of French impressionist cinema, and 'A Good Little Devil' (1923). Both films represent her entire known filmography.

When was Madeleine Erickson born and when did she die?

Unfortunately, the birth and death dates of Madeleine Erickson are not documented in available film history records, which is not uncommon for supporting actors from the silent era who had brief careers.

What awards did Madeleine Erickson win?

There are no recorded awards or nominations for Madeleine Erickson, which is typical for many supporting actors of the silent era, especially those with very brief careers.

What was Madeleine Erickson's acting style?

Due to the limited documentation of her work and the fact that she appeared in only two films, there is insufficient information available to describe Madeleine Erickson's specific acting style or techniques.

Why is Madeleine Erickson mentioned in film history?

Madeleine Erickson is mentioned in film history primarily due to her participation in 'Cœur fidèle' (1923), which is recognized as an important work of French impressionist cinema. Her association with this significant film ensures her place in cinema history despite her brief career.

What happened to Madeleine Erickson after 1923?

After 1923, Madeleine Erickson disappears from all known film records, suggesting she may have left the entertainment industry entirely. This pattern was common for many actors in early cinema who had brief or unsuccessful careers.

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Films

2 films