Interpretation and Restoration: Abel Gance's La Roue (1922)

This essay aims to show the difficulties of restoring and interpreting Abel Gance's La Roue (1922). It provides details of the film's evolution from script to screen and the history of its various release versions, including modern attempts at restoration. Aiming to solve some of the difficulties many critics have had when examining Gance's film, it offers an analysis of key aspects of the film, negotiating a balance between its innovative form and dramatic content.