description Forgotten Silver Overview
Forgotten Silver is an experimental mockumentary exploring the life and purported invention of Colin McKenzie, a New Zealand filmmaker from the early 20th century. The film investigates McKenzie’s claims of developing revolutionary silver-based motion picture technology, a deception that captivated audiences at the time. Through archival footage and a narrative built around unearthed documents, it examines the nature of innovation, belief, and the power of illusion. This film is for viewers interested in history, film theory, and independent cinema particularly those drawn to unusual storytelling approaches.
help Forgotten Silver FAQ
Is Forgotten Silver based on a true story?
No, Forgotten Silver is an elaborate mockumentary directed by Peter Jackson and Costa Botes that aired on New Zealand television in 1995. It completely fabricates the story of Colin McKenzie, a fictional early 20th-century filmmaker, though many viewers initially believed it was a real documentary.
What famous filmmakers were involved in Forgotten Silver?
The film was co-directed and co-written by Peter Jackson, famous for directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It features cameos from notable film figures like Leonard Maltin and Harvey Weinstein, who play along with the hoax by pretending to analyze McKenzie's 'lost' films.
What are some of the fake inventions attributed to Colin McKenzie in the movie?
The film claims McKenzie invented the first talkie, color film using berry juice, and the first feature-length film, all years before the historically recognized pioneers. It even features mock footage of a lost epic film called 'Salome' that McKenzie allegedly shot.
Why was Forgotten Silver so convincing to audiences?
Peter Jackson went to great lengths to age the film stock artificially, using sandpaper and techniques like baking the film to make the 'archival' footage look authentically degraded. Combined with the serious, academic tone of the documentary format, it managed to fool a significant portion of the viewing public upon its initial broadcast.
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