Review of The Man Who Laughs (1928) by Luke B — 29 Mar 2009
Despite that garish poster that makes this look like a horror, this is actually a romance. It's a sweet piece of silent cinema that uses it's visuals to full affect. Veidt is fantastic. Having to grin all the time must have made it difficult to convey emotions other than happiness.
Somehow Veidt manages it. It's all in the eyes and forehead. The Man Who Laughs is a classic weirdo in love movie. Gwynplaine is a victim and is exploited by those around him. Refreshingly, he doesn't go mental and start murdering everybody like so many other films of it's type.
The make up was astonishing as was the recreation of the period. The dog called Homo was pretty funny...teehee. Only real negative distraction was that everybody found Gwynplaine funny looking, but I thought he was scary looking.
Go figure.
This review of The Man Who Laughs (1928) was written by Luke B on 29 Mar 2009.
The Man Who Laughs has generally received very positive reviews.
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