Rating: 
Summary: Murnau's "Little" Masterpiece
Review: What struck this viewer: No title cards, except for the one announcing the "happy" ending; the camera told the story. The amazing city scenes. The choreography of camera movements and extras. (Murnau must be another who chose his extras for appearance.) The way in which Murnau and Freund managed to create a world both familiar, yet menacing and off-kilter at the same time; a dream-like quality infused the entire film. The masterful use of light and shadow. Light and shadow are utilized in this film almost in the manner of an additional "character". Emil Jannings' almost-over-the-top acting never quite disintegrated into overbearing pathos. (One hallmark of a fine actor.) The story itself, touchingly human. Some reviews criticize the seemingly insignificant event which triggered Jannings' character's dive into massive despair, but to them I would say, upon lesser things have tragedies been built. Truly, doesn't one's occupation help to define them and who they are? Whenever Jannings marched through his tenement dressed in his fine coat he brought a touch of class to his poor surroundings, he brightened everyone's day. His neighbors were proud of him, they respected him, and all of that (a tremendous amount, honestly ) was lost through his demotion. One quibble. The "happy" ending, in the manner it which it was presented, appeared almost apologetic. As if to leave Jannings' character to languish and die, although realistic, was entirely inappropriate. In my opinion, although charming and delightful, the ending felt rather jarring after such an intense study in decline and depression and despair. Jannings' character inherits a fortune in a most unorthodox manner. Everything is good again. So money cures everything? Does it really? Decide for yourself. I decided, because of this ending, to bestow four stars on what otherwise might have been a five-star-plus production.
| 
