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As I was saying...
And yes, onto my full review of the amazing German film The Man Who Laughs.
As I mentioned, the opening sequence of this film is incredibly sad and weepworthy. The Germans do not fuck around when it comes to brutality, even way back in the 20's. I mean, it's not gratuitous, but no subject matter is off limits it seems. The lead guy, Conrad Veidt gave tremendous depth to the performance even though he couldn't move his mouth at all. As it turns out, he's been in a zillion movies. It's totally worth watching just for his performance alone. I'm (correctly, as it happens) assuming that this guy was the direct inspiration for The Joker. Actually, it's pretty much unmistakable. It almost makes The Joker's whole appearance look like a blatant rip-off. Just the appearance though, not the whole character.
Both lead actresses were wonderful. Olga Baclanova played the same kind of role she did in Freaks. The bitchy dame who you long to see consequenced. She's a real tart in this one! It's great fun to hate her. Conversly, Mary Philbin played the beautiful sweet girl unhappy thrust into sad circumstances. The plot was solid and full of surprises and comuppances. I do so love comuppances.
The camera work was good, but not as inventive as that in The Golem my review of which may be found here.
What impressed me most was the emotional depth of the story. There was a level of sophistication that is lacking in most films I see today. I don't really understand how films can go from being less intelligent and less good over the years when we're supposed to be progressing as a society. We can't really be progressing as people if we can't create or even recognize decent art. I know I see mostly American films, and that the Americans in charge of such things have a lot of hang ups and don't want certain things shown or discussed. And then there's an aspect of filmaking where the competition to be the most unique or the most orignal (I mean among those who are not pandering...obviously there is a high percentage of films that are intentionally derrivative shit) takes precedence over simply telling a good story in an effective and artistic way. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for experimentation, just not gratuitously.
So yes, I have added The Man Who Laughs to my wish list.
Okay, I'm going to stop posting and get some work done. If I finish keying in all my edited chapters tonight, I can reward myself with a viewing of Goblet of Fire. Nice.
As I mentioned, the opening sequence of this film is incredibly sad and weepworthy. The Germans do not fuck around when it comes to brutality, even way back in the 20's. I mean, it's not gratuitous, but no subject matter is off limits it seems. The lead guy, Conrad Veidt gave tremendous depth to the performance even though he couldn't move his mouth at all. As it turns out, he's been in a zillion movies. It's totally worth watching just for his performance alone. I'm (correctly, as it happens) assuming that this guy was the direct inspiration for The Joker. Actually, it's pretty much unmistakable. It almost makes The Joker's whole appearance look like a blatant rip-off. Just the appearance though, not the whole character.
Both lead actresses were wonderful. Olga Baclanova played the same kind of role she did in Freaks. The bitchy dame who you long to see consequenced. She's a real tart in this one! It's great fun to hate her. Conversly, Mary Philbin played the beautiful sweet girl unhappy thrust into sad circumstances. The plot was solid and full of surprises and comuppances. I do so love comuppances.
The camera work was good, but not as inventive as that in The Golem my review of which may be found here.
What impressed me most was the emotional depth of the story. There was a level of sophistication that is lacking in most films I see today. I don't really understand how films can go from being less intelligent and less good over the years when we're supposed to be progressing as a society. We can't really be progressing as people if we can't create or even recognize decent art. I know I see mostly American films, and that the Americans in charge of such things have a lot of hang ups and don't want certain things shown or discussed. And then there's an aspect of filmaking where the competition to be the most unique or the most orignal (I mean among those who are not pandering...obviously there is a high percentage of films that are intentionally derrivative shit) takes precedence over simply telling a good story in an effective and artistic way. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for experimentation, just not gratuitously.
So yes, I have added The Man Who Laughs to my wish list.
Okay, I'm going to stop posting and get some work done. If I finish keying in all my edited chapters tonight, I can reward myself with a viewing of Goblet of Fire. Nice.
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It could be I'm imagining things, but I swore it was an American film.
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I'll have to read the ending, was having trouble with the player.
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It is also rumored that the movie will be used for inspiration once again in Batman Begins II for the joker's appearance...
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But yes, it's quite obvious when watching the film that he is the inspiration for The Joker. Even Ceasar Romero from the old show looks pretty close.
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German expressionism is quickly overtaking my previous fascination with Italian horror and French comedies.