The Wigwam (1912)

Directed by: Joris Ivens | 11 minutes | short movie

‘De Wigwam’ is literally an Indian story by the debuting filmmaker Joris Ivens, who would later become famous with films such as ‘Rain’ and ‘The Spanish Earth’. In this well-intentioned try-out, little of the director’s later talent can be discovered, but from a film-historical point of view it is interesting to see how this Dutch filmmaker once started. It’s especially nice to see how much enthusiasm it radiates. Little Joris Ivens has called in all his family members to make the film a fact. It is a real family production, both behind and in front of the camera.

The limitations of this film may be partly due to the technological developments at that point in history and the equipment that the Ivens family was able to use. Looks like everything had to be shot from a tripod, with a camera that doesn’t move, which literally makes the whole thing seem a bit static. It doesn’t help that almost constantly only one particular camera angle is taken, namely a medium-long shot with ordinary characters passing by. There is not a single close-up to be seen that literally and figuratively keeps the viewer at a distance from the characters. The pan shots are always very jerky, which prevents further immersion.

But as said, this actually matters little when evaluating the value of this film. The amateurism of the technique and the actors also has something charming. It is also nice to see all the actors/employees in a kind of portrait pose at the end of the film, appearing and disappearing with simple optical techniques. Just like a theater company at the end of the performance, Joris and his family say goodbye to the viewers, with a big smile on his face.