Review of Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) by Vinnie J — 25 Jan 2009

1927? Are you serious? A slient film made over 80 years ago still has to ability to capture audience. This movie is from a time when facial expressions, sound, and lighting were not just parts of a film.

.. they WERE the film. The main characters can make the intensity of their emotions almost tangilble in this comedy/drama. George O'Brien, Janet Gaynor give stellar performances and demand appreciation for an era of film that is long missing.

This award winning movie (Best Actress, Best Picture) is set on a country estate where a young man is convinced by his mistress to murder his wife. As thoughts of guilt and what the love once was set in, the man (O'Brien) debates backing out of it.

What stems from there is a new discovery of what their love once was and how it will be tested with a climatic closing scene. If you can appreciate a film without dialogue, this is one of the best ones.