Review of Sunrise (1985) by Kevan S — 29 Feb 2008
F.W. Murnau's Sunrise is a pretty good example of the silent film, as well as technological prowese and well articulated mise-en-scene for the time. The story is relatively simple. Married man falls in love with mistress, mistress urges man to kill wife, man is overcome with guilt and spends a day in town with his wife winning her back after trying to kill her, man almost loses all, and then a hollywood ending.
What makes Sunrise so notable and famous is its outstanding control over the frame. The set design and art direction are incredibly well done, from the day in the town to the storms on the lake. There's a great sense of where the camera is and should be.
Overlaying and quick cutting aid the film's humor as well as tone, and we're allowed to be taken into a sort of dream world of romantic fantasy. The film isn't going to get any extraordinary credit for performance, but few silent films will.
Everything is relatively over the top and unbelievably hokey, but it works as a casual romantic Hollywood excursion. Just marvel at Sunrise's ability to manipulate the medium, and you'll have a good time watching it.
This review of Sunrise (1985) was written by Kevan S on 29 Feb 2008.
Sunrise has generally received very positive reviews.
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