Alibi (1929) - Ronald West

While trying to find any films from the earliest years of the Oscars available, I uncovered this gem from the very much forgotten Ronald West. West was a unique auteur who worked in complete secrecy and shot only at night. His film is hyper stylized with numerous expressionist touches. His city skyline is painted, everything is at an angle, and there are shadows that could swallow a person whole. The morality of the film may be its most curious aspect though. Cops in this film torture people, frequently use gangster tactics, and are never honest. However the criminals shoot people in the back, faint at fake gunshots, and fall on their knees whenever their life is in danger. In West's world no one has any merit. He is not favoring one side over another, they're both horrible. An extremely pessimistic side to take, but a supremely interesting film. Highly recommended for fans of gangster films, expressionism or the curious toddler years where Hollywood learned to talk.

This film and Chester Morris were both nominated for Oscars in 1928/29, it lost in both races.