Review of Sunrise (1985) by J D — 17 Dec 2007

Beautiful, bleak, haunting, and uplifting. It's really exciting to watch a silent film in its earlier stages directed by an auteur who really understands the visual power of cinema. This is one of the best silent films I've seen.

There are few title cards, proof how well Murnau knew how to tell a story visually, and those title cards that are there are as stylized as much of the rest of the movie (the title card where O'Brien's mistress suggests drowning his wife is particularly effective).

The story itself is simple and wonderful, a tale of lust, love and redemption. There are so many striking visuals in this movie, it really is amazing. The scene of O'Brien agonizing over his decision in his bedroom, images of his mistress squeezing and tempting him, the sight of bulrushes on water, the marvelous shots of the city: this is truly a work of art.

And there is some great humor in this as well, to balance out some pretty dark themes, including drunken pigs and unruly shoulder straps. Wonderful film and highly recommended!