Boz
Published writer
Posts: 1,451 
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Post by Boz on Jan 30, 2007 0:39:42 GMT
Sunrise  F.W. Murnau 1927My first Murnau, and another early cinema surprise. His extensive use of superimposed images along with facial closeups uncharacteristic to the time period are both quite effective, and paired with unexpectedly natural performances from both the leads, he's produced quite a film.
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Capo
Administrator 
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Post by Capo on Apr 26, 2007 12:09:23 GMT
Sunrise
FW Murnau 1927 USA
A man of the country, influenced by his mistress from the city, decides to murder his wife.
What might seem imbalanced as regards traditional narrative discourse (it begins with disequilibrium, finds equilibrium, and goes back again at the end) is subtle deviation from convention - and very successful, too. Murnau's visual sense is most impressive - his camera movement is fluent, his mise-en-scene multi-layered in literal information and inviting allegory, his sets both credible and dream-like. His framing is expressionistic (lots of colliding diagonals in frame, like Eisenstein) and his lighting is impressionistic; its simple tale could have been even more resonant had it ended in (as expected) tragedy. Made when pre-recorded sound was being introduced to the medium, it acknowledges this throughout - not only is its subtitle "A song of two humans", but there are several scenes in which characters react on the "silent" screen to sounds (mistresses whistling, dogs barking, bells tolling) off-frame. There are many moments of excellence, of beauty, but one stands out in particular: that in which lovers see, as if for the first time, the beauty in one another, and walk through city traffic and into an idyllic forest (both environments superimposed over one shot), and thence back to reality, in which they have, in their oblivious enchantment, caused a traffic jam.
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jrod
Ghost writer
Posts: 970
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Post by jrod on Apr 27, 2007 4:38:40 GMT
where have you guys seen this? Id like to but theres no dvd available on netflix
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Post by bobbyreed on Apr 27, 2007 4:42:38 GMT
I watched it on videotape. You can probably find a copy in a city library. It's available on DVD in this box. |
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Capo
Administrator
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Post by Capo on Apr 27, 2007 13:17:16 GMT
There's a region 2 DVD, too, from the reliable Maters of Cinema series of Eureka.
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Capo
Administrator
Posts: 7,847
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Post by Capo on May 17, 2007 19:07:10 GMT
This is a remarkable film. Thematically, technically and in the context of the film industry, it's got so much going for it in terms of discussion. Weeks after seeing it on the big screen, it's still with me.
Highly, highly recommended to all.
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RNL
Global Moderator
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Post by RNL on May 17, 2007 19:12:56 GMT
I've got this and a few other Murnau efforts downloaded.
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Capo
Administrator
Posts: 7,847
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Post by Capo on May 18, 2007 12:00:52 GMT
In Sight & Sound's most recent (2002) top ten poll, Jim Jarmusch, Mika Kaurismäki, Alan Rudolph, Barbet Schroeder and Vincent Ward all included Sunrise in their top tens.
I wish I had it on DVD; I'd capture some stills in an instant.
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jrod
Ghost writer
Posts: 970
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Post by jrod on Jun 21, 2007 3:46:50 GMT
really frustrating that it isnt really available without me spending a bunch of money. It wasnt at any libraries I checked out sadly. Hopefully with its AFI intro it will come onto an easier format to get ahold of
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Jenson71
Ghost writer
Bush is watching you
Posts: 810
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Post by Jenson71 on Jun 21, 2007 4:56:17 GMT
Everything about this movie strikes me as so true, still...eighty years after it was made. Their faces could really speak a thousand words. I've seen this film twice through Turner Classic Movies.
My girlfriend...who has, unfortunately, little patience for black and white movies, not to mention silent movies, liked this.
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jrod
Ghost writer
Posts: 970
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Post by jrod on Jun 21, 2007 5:09:21 GMT
ah girlfriends
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Post by Michael on Nov 18, 2008 8:57:30 GMT
This is a remarkable film. Thematically, technically and in the context of the film industry, it's got so much going for it in terms of discussion. Weeks after seeing it on the big screen, it's still with me. I just finished watching this, and must agree. I think the film did an excellent job of breaking through conventions, while still maintaining narrative continuity and allowing the story itself to affect the viewer emotionally (you laugh, you cry, you're disgusted, surprised, inspired, blown away). I loved the little episode in the city; the conflict at the barbershop, the pig, the man with the wine, the dancing, the slipping dress strap, the couple almost not being able to pay for their dinner, etc. The whole thing is chaotic, but I think it serves to show how love can make normally stressful occurrences seem silly and insignificant. Visually and aesthetically, the film was spectacular, way ahead of its time. There are a countless number of powerful images created here, and the fading images within an already established frame along with the shot of the fabricated, hologram-like image of "The Woman From the City" caressing Anses were extremely impressive. The entire time watching this I couldn't believe it was made in 1927. This is essential viewing. |
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