Conquest

About This Movie

So, 'Conquest' is this fascinating early documentary that kind of stitches together footage to tell a story of the first European invasion of North America. The pacing is a bit uneven, as they mix older film clips—most notably from 'The Covered Wagon'—to illustrate a historical narrative, which can feel jarring but also gives it a unique texture. It’s all about how industrial technology shaped the continent, which is an interesting theme for its time. The visuals have this raw, almost experimental quality, making it distinct from what you’d expect today. It’s not polished by any means, but that’s what gives it character, right? There’s something haunting about the way they weave history and film together here.

Collectors tend to have mixed feelings about 'Conquest' due to its unconventional style and the way it repurposes footage from other films. Its rarity adds to the intrigue, and original prints can be hard to find, which elevates its status among collectors of early cinema. The film's historical context and unique approach to documentary filmmaking make it a conversation piece, especially in discussions about the evolution of documentary styles.