I've read about all of the reviews on this film and it appears that some people have only seen the film without the reverse-motion trick used at the end. I have indeed seen it with that effect and I must say it is slightly fascinating seeing the wall arise back up to take its stand once more. And considering that most Lumiere films featured everyday occurrences, for 1896 this is something rather fascinating. It is not everyday you see a wall collapse, and, if you were really pushing it, you could probably get away with calling this one a trick film.
Okay, so nowadays a wall falling over isn't too interesting. Much of this film is really just the workers chopping at the wall. The part where the wall crashes over is definitely the highlight (what else WOULD be??!!). And while not overly interesting, the reverse-motion makes it lots different from the other Lumiere features. The first action movie, maybe? Well, certainly more exciting then seeing a train arrive (for the time, anyway) , and a good documentation of an event.
Okay, so nowadays a wall falling over isn't too interesting. Much of this film is really just the workers chopping at the wall. The part where the wall crashes over is definitely the highlight (what else WOULD be??!!). And while not overly interesting, the reverse-motion makes it lots different from the other Lumiere features. The first action movie, maybe? Well, certainly more exciting then seeing a train arrive (for the time, anyway) , and a good documentation of an event.