The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Collection: Dante’s Inferno (1911)

What are the films that shaped the world of cinema? The article series, The Wasteland Collection, will be my curated list of films that helped shape film over the hundred plus years of this medium’s existence. Highlighting the filmmakers, actors, genres, technical advancements, and any other factor that helped the art form as a whole take steps forward in creating what we have today. 

Dante’s Inferno (1911)

What film felt like one of the great leaps in the progress of film from a short film format to feature length? The towering Italian epic, Dante’s Inferno. This 1911 film feels nothing like what other films were doing at the time. The grand scale, production design, costuming, and make-up feel all off the charts. The technical leaps that the three directors of this film leveraged feel jaw-dropping at this point in the history of cinema. Italy was put on the cinematic map thanks to Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, and Giuseppe de Liguoro.

How does the structure feel so advanced? Most films at the time were still around 15-20 minutes long but this 71-minute film towers over them. The story of The Inferno is interesting because it does not have a traditional three-act structure or even a cohesive plot. You have a fictionalized version of Dante being guided through Hell by the poet Virgil. This was Dante’s bold choice and Virgil is chosen to be guided by an angel. Then they go on their journey as they experience a wide range of grotesque horrors of the Underworld. Since the structure is loose, it makes sense that they were able to keep piling on different sequences from Dante’s epic poem.

How about the visual experience? There are massive set pieces throughout this film including big mountain ranges when they first enter Hell and plenty of other disturbing sets from sprawling, foggy lakes to giant dungeons. Just the scale and sense of navigating different places that feel real is such a change. Most films from that era felt like they were confined to a stage or such but not this film. This is a sprawling and shocking display of impressive art direction. There are fascinating elements in terms of make-up and costuming as well. The way Cerberus and Harpies are brought to life in this film feels so tactile and that makes for more engaging elements. The many demons and Lucifer himself look frightening with their horns, blackened skin, and claws.

What is the most impactful legacy of this early Italian epic? The overall technical feat that this film is makes it stand the test of time. Just from a visual standpoint, the quality of filmmaking that this is puts it apart from many other films from this era. The three directors were able to create a visual styling that feels more modern and crisper. This honestly looks like it could have been a 20s or 30s film despite being decades earlier. The look of the film uses the artwork of Gustav Dore which allows the film to have such a picturesque look to it. There are a few special effects moments as well that felt so impressive. There is a void with spinning and twirling souls that is so imaginative. There are two specific moments in the film that are iconic because they are employed. There is a giant in one of the levels of Hell and the forced perspective and projects used to put enormous feats in frame with our protagonists looks so impressive. Then a regular sized actor as the giant can manhandle dolls to shift the perspective. For a film this early in cinema, this is quite impressive to see. Finally, the giant depiction of Lucifer is awe-inspiring as well as grotesque. The overlaying of different shots allow for Dante and Virgil to inhabit the front of the frame with a giant (and I mean GIANT) Lucifer looms eerily in the back of the frame.

Are you ready for a giant leap in the world of cinema? This film feels so unique and impressive in so many ways. Dante’s Inferno is a poem that has been around for centuries, and great artists have depicted the visuals for centuries as well. But the art of film is different and seeing Dante’s world come to life in motion is incredible. This film put Italian cinema on the map. The scale of filmmaking was expanded by this monumental effort. This towering achievement is a fascinating watch and is an essential piece in the building blocks of modern cinema.