tech
The original Moana: did a 1926 documentary give birth to a 21st century Disney blockbuster?
Long before the 2016 hit animation and its forthcoming live-action remake came a pioneering silent film that established a whole new genre
TL;DR
- The 1926 silent film 'Moana,' directed by Robert Flaherty, is considered a precursor to the 2016 Disney animation and its upcoming live-action remake.
- Flaherty's film was a pioneering example of on-location filmmaking and is credited as the first film to be labeled a 'documentary,' a term coined by critic John Grierson.
- Despite being marketed as a documentary, 'Moana' was largely staged, with Flaherty casting actors and staging scenes to depict an idealized version of Samoan life, even selecting the name 'Moana' himself.
- The film faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies and staged elements, with some arguing that Flaherty reverted Samoan culture to an earlier state for cinematic purposes.
- In Samoa, the film is not widely considered controversial and is appreciated as a snapshot of the past, with locals involved in its creation and aiming to recreate an older way of life.
- Film historian Bruce Posner believes the 1926 film directly inspired the Disney version, citing shared settings and titles, while Dr. Dionne Fonoti sees a thread connecting Flaherty's film to the increased participation of Pacific Islanders in modern filmmaking.
- Robert Flaherty faced significant challenges during filming in Samoa, including accidentally poisoning himself with cave water while setting up a makeshift film processing lab.