Review of Sunrise (1985) by Max M — 15 Mar 2009

Hands-down one of the greatest films ever made.

German Director F.W. Murnau's American debut about a husband (silent western star George O'Brien giving a brilliant performance as a romantic lead) who, on a trip to a big city, falls in love all over again with his young wife (a wonderful Janet Gaynor, who won the very first Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in this picture) after being convinced by his mistress (an extremely seductive Margaret Livingston) to do away with her by drowning.

Murnau and writer Carl Mayer re-team following their equally brilliant collaboration on The Last Laugh, a silent film whose story was told completely visually - no title cards. There are title cards for this picture but they are few and far between and rightfully so. This is a story about people and pure raw emotion and the actors and the stunningly beautiful visuals courtesy of cinematographers Karl Struss and Charles Rosher (this picture also won the very first Oscar for Cinematography as well) are strong enough to tell the story without the constant aid of title cards.

An absolutely extraordinary cinematic experience that never ceases to amaze and delight even 82 years after it's release.