Business Is Business

About This Movie

Business Is Business (1915) unfurls the drama of nouveau riche Isidore Lechat, tangled in his own high-society pretensions. Set against the opulent backdrop of a southern French castle, the film weaves a narrative where Isidore's obsession with business eclipses all else, yet his attachment to his children somehow remains. It’s intriguing how he keeps his wife in the shadows due to her lack of refinement, while indulging in an affair with the alluring Celeste St. Je. The pacing feels reflective; you can almost feel the weight of Isidore's choices. The performances are raw and the atmosphere is thick with societal critique, making it a notable piece in the silent era, even if we don’t know the director’s name. It invites a deeper understanding of class and personal conflict, which feels timeless.

This film is somewhat scarce on physical formats, which makes it a curious piece for collectors of silent cinema. Various versions exist, but finding a complete print can be a challenge. The film's exploration of class dynamics and personal failure has garnered interest from those looking to understand the early 20th-century societal landscape, making it a worthwhile subject for discussion among enthusiasts.