Length: 77 minutes
Director: F.W. Murnau
Cast: Emil Jannings, Maly Delschaft, Max Hiller, Emilie Kurz, Georg John, Emmy Wyda, Olaf Storm, Herman Vallentin
Eric's Impressions: Despite the feel-good ending that doesn't fit with the rest of the film, this is still a winner. Emil Jannings as the old doorman that gets demoted is brilliant. He makes the director's decision to not have subtitles work because his physical acting is first-rate with each body movement helping to tell the story. Murnau takes some chances, especially with the camera's first-person perspective of drunkenness. The ending would've worked much better if it had just been a dream, but it does succeed in making you feel happy for what happens to the story's hero.
Natalie's Impressions: The cinematography and the acting make this film a classic. Murnau's take on an interesting story line is well crafted- although the ending is improbable and doesn't fit with the rest of the film. I prefer the ending because it is a feel-good, happy ending while much of the rest of the film is very, very depressing. Some of my favorite scenes exemplified both the great acting of Jannings and the cinematography. The first scene of the movie filmed in the rain and the scene in the hotel bathroom where Jannings' character gives a cigar to the attendant are, in my opinion, the most memorable.
COUNTDOWN: Just 982 movies to go!
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