Watch The First Film

The First Film is a 2015 historical drama that takes us back to the birth of moving pictures. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Bernard Atha, Stephane Cornicard, and Tom Courtenay. Directed by David Nicholas Wilkinson, this independent film depicts the story of Louis le Prince, a French inventor who created the first moving image in Leeds, England, in 1888.

The movie follows Louis le Prince (played by Stephane Cornicard) on his journey to capturing images in motion. Despite being a pioneer in cinematography, Louis' ideas are met with skepticism by his peers who view it as a mere novelty. Driven by his passion for filmmaking, Louis sets out to prove his invention's potential by experimenting with different techniques to improve the quality of his images.

As Louis continues his experiments, he faces financial setbacks, personal struggles, and a race to be the first to make a breakthrough in the field of cinematography. His relationships with his wife Lizzie (played by Lizzie McInnerny) and his father-in-law (played by Tom Courtenay) are strained due to his unwavering commitment to his work.

Bernard Atha plays the role of a professor, Frederick Bakewell, who is also a scientist and an inventor. Frederick becomes one of Louis' closest associates and helps him in his research to improve the quality of his images. He is also fascinated by Louis' invention and recognizes its potential. Together, they experiment with different materials to make their invention commercially viable. Despite their relentless efforts, progress is slow, and their financial situation worsens.

The movie brings to life the challenges and struggles involved in the creation of the world's first moving pictures. We see Louis le Prince as a visionary who is motivated by his passion for filmmaking. We also get insights into the social, economic and political climate of the time, which was characterized by industrialization and rapid technological advancements.

The movie captures the atmosphere of mid-Victorian England, and the scenes are set in authentic locations, streets, and buildings from the period. The production design is impressive and adds to the authenticity of the film.

The acting performances are noteworthy, and the ensemble cast delivers a believable portrayal of their characters. Stephane Cornicard, in particular, is exceptional in his portrayal of Louis le Prince. He brings a sense of urgency and desperation to the character, which makes the viewers empathize with his struggles.

The First Film also sheds light on the mystery surrounding Louis le Prince's disappearance. In 1890, he was traveling to France to patent his invention when he vanished on the train. The movie hints at possible motives for his disappearance, but it does not provide a definitive answer. This unsolved mystery adds a layer of intrigue to the film and leaves the viewers with something to think about.

In conclusion, The First Film is a well-crafted historical drama that brings to life a pivotal moment in the history of cinema. The movie provides an insight into the challenges faced by the pioneers of cinema, and the sacrifices they made to bring their vision to life. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of filmmaking.

The First Film is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.