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Jon Mirsalis on Piano

(Balettprimadonnan). Despite the fact that it was his thirtieth film, Balettprimadonnan is the earliest–known significant surviving fragment of Stiller's film work. Typical of Swedish and Danish melodramas of the period, the film's artfulness and particularly the beautiful lighting effects-largely attributable to the work of virtuoso cinematographer Julius Jaenzon-received rave reviews. Stiller seems to have conceived of this film as a "sound film before sound" in that the plot relies on the use of a special melody that was to be played at decisive moments in the drama. In one scene in particular the melody is played by a former lover in an attempt to force the famous ballet prima donna to recognize both him and his enduring love.