F. W. Murnau

F. W. Murnau was one of the most influential directors of the early German Expressionist wave that started in the 1920s alongside Robert Weine and Fritz Lang. "The Book" really spurred my interest in Murnau's work since before reading it I was familiar only with Nosferatu.

Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror (1922) Meant to be the first film adaptation of Dracula, negotiations with the estate of Bram Stoker broke down requiring Murnau to rename the characters. Dracula became Count Orlok. As a kid, I was not a big fan of this movie, preferring my vampires as portrayed by Lugosi and Christopher Lee. I would become a bigger fan as my love for silent movies grew, influenced by my older brother Steven.

The Last Laugh (1924) A hotel doorman (Emil Jannings) is given great respect for his position which is prompted by the military style uniform. When the doorman is demoted to the position of washroom attendant, we see his life change as he mourns the respect and position that he used to receive.

Sunrise, A Song Of Two Humans (1927) The first film by Murnau after being lured to Hollywood by William Fox. A story of marriage, infidelity and finally reconciliation when the couple leave the farm for a trip to the city. This trip may have been the time when the man intended to kill the wife to clear the way for the city girl.

Tabu (1931) Murnau's last film. A story of Polynesian culture involving a young pearl diver in love with a girl who is destined by the tribal elders to be the the bride of the god that they worship. They unsuccessfully attempt to run away but the elders have a long reach. Not my favorite of Murnau's films, if I had to pinpoint why I have to say because it is so bright, the darkness and shadows that Murnau is so effective at manipulating, is just not available on the island of Bora Bora. Regardless it is certainly well worth seeing.

Notable Exceptions: Phantom (1922) has come up on TCM a couple of time. It is a story about man's obsession for a woman he sees on the streets, and Faust (1926) with a perfect performance by Emil Jannings and Mr. Scratch himself.