Quote:
Originally Posted by FryeDwight
THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928). Although there are some static moments this is really quite good with Conrad Veidt very moving as the titular character. Basically, this is a Lon Chaney film without Lon Chaney.
Also has Mary Philbin (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) and Olga Baclonova (FREAKS) with some impressive Universal studios sets. ***1/2
|
Thanks for the reference. I just checked it out on youtube.
THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928)
6.5/10
Gwynplaine, is surgically altered to always smile, by a vengeful King to punish his rebellious noble father, who's then executed, leaving the boy an orphan. He saves an orphaned blind girl Dea (Mary Philbin) and joins with a kindly traveling performer. Gwynplaine (Conrad Veidt) feels unworthy of Dea's devoted love. Then when his noble identity is discovered, he must face a return to his inheritance and seat in the House of Lords.
It's an interesting and notable silent film. It can be fairly captivatingly sweet and romantic at times, when tight shots display Veidt's ability to effectively emote. Very nice sets, and (oft romantic) musical score, particularly at the beginning, where, for the most part, it keeps the pace of the shots reasonably short.
Unfortunately, pacing of shots really slows down when the trio arrives at a town to preform. Basically, every time there are large groups, the shots linger, are too wide and unfocused. This numbing effect is enhanced when the soundtrack drones crowd noise and clamor. The film length is 1hr 50mins. A trimming would surely sharpen the focus and pace of the film, but rather I could see Tim Burton taking on this film, as his specialty is the emotional plight of the naked artist.