29.05.25, 20:30, By the Law (1926)

As is tradition, we end the season on a melodic note with a musical reinterpretation of a silent film classic. This time, Matis Cooreman and Seppe Gebruers breathe new life into By the Law – literally and figuratively – with accompaniment on harmonica and Hammond organ. This pitch-black thriller immerses you in the nightmarish trials and tribulations of a group of gold prospectors in the Yukon territory. When the group sets its sights on big money, friendship gives way to mistrust and greed reigns supreme. What starts as a satire of the American Dream quickly descends into a claustrophobic chamber piece that does not shy away from exploring the darker sides of the human psyche.

Although Lev Kuleshov is best known for his contributions to film theory, he puts many of his principles into practice in his often forgotten oeuvre. By the Law is undeniably his masterpiece. Reconciling elements of German expressionism with rousing Soviet montage, Kuleshov manages to externalise a rich emotional world through his use of setting and visual imagery. The anti-capitalist critique may be obvious, but By the Law is not flat propaganda. In the Soviet Union, the film was criticised because its cynical view of humanity was irreconcilable with socialist morality. A cold shiver to start the summer with.

This film will be accompanied live by musicians Matis Cooreman and Seppe Gebruers.