The Last Laugh (Murnau, 1924)
Murnau's dark story serves as a commentary about the dignity, hope and frustration of the working classes. Grotesteque laughing faces, and looming buildings are some examples of Murnau's German expressionism I noticed in the film.
Thumbs down for the absurd ending.
Emil Jannings is good in the lead... similar I thought in many ways to his performance in
The Blue Angel.
As with all the silent dramas, would love to ask the critics who voted for it if they made the choice for its importance in film history, or for the power the film has upon viewing it today.
Murnau seen/ranked:
1. Sunrise ****
2. The Last Laugh ***
3. Nosferatu the Vampire * ½