SUNRISE: A SONG OF TWO HUMANS (1927)
Film of the Day #140
SUNRISE: A SONG OF TWO HUMANS
1927 • F. W. MurnauWriters: Carl Mayer. Based on The Excursion to Tilsit 1917 story in Litauische Geschichten by Hermann Sudermann
Producer: William Fox
Cast: Janet Gaynor, George O'Brien, Margaret Livingston, Bodil Rosing, J. Farrell MacDonald
Cinematography: Charles Rosher, Karl Struss
Music: Hugo RiesenfeldFox Film Corporation
This song of the Man and his Wife is of no place and every place; you might hear it anywhere, at any time.
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans stands as one of the last great silent films of the era. In a time when talkies were about to take over, this film defied convention and continued to prove the power of visual storytelling. The story revolves around the life of a married couple living in a rural village, played by George O'Brien and Janet Gaynor. Their idyllic existence is shattered when the husband becomes infatuated with a seductive woman from the city, played by Margaret Livingston. In a moment of desperation, he contemplates murdering his wife to be with his city mistress. However, as he takes her out for a boating trip with sinister intent, he ultimately cannot go through with it, realizing the depth of his love for his wife. This realization triggers a journey of redemption, as the couple ventures into the bustling city, where the husband seeks to renew his love for his wife.
Murnau, known for other iconic works like Nosferatu, The Last Laugh, and Faust, showcased his directorial genius in Sunrise. Without the need to adjust for sound, cameras were more versatile, and Murnau exploited this to create breathtaking shots and scenes that remain jaw-dropping even in today's technologically advanced film landscape.
The film's visuals are stunning, with Murnau's innovative use of the camera capturing the duality between the rural and urban settings. The famous tracking shot of the couple walking into traffic, oblivious to the chaos around them, is a testament to Murnau's mastery of cinematic technique. This visual storytelling reflects the contrasting worlds of purity and corruption, with Janet Gaynor's character representing purity and George O'Brien's character seeking redemption.
At its core, Sunrise is a visually stunning expression of the duality between rural simplicity and urban decadence. Janet Gaynor's portrayal of the Wife exudes purity, endearment, and sympathy, while Margaret Livingston's Woman from the City represents corruption, tempting the husband away from his devoted wife. The Man faces a moral struggle. At first, he is corrupted by the city woman's seduction, but as the narrative unfolds, we witness a profound transformation.
In one of the film's most famous scenes, a ghostly vision of the woman from the city reaches out to grab him, symbolizing the struggle between his past temptation and his commitment to his wife. Their performances, as convincing and honest as those in contemporary cinema, are elevated by Murnau's expert use of body language and facial expressions.
One of the film's most iconic moments is the tracking shot as the couple walks into oncoming traffic, blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding them. It's a visual metaphor for their journey—a symbolic walk towards redemption and renewal of their love.
Despite being a critical smash in its time, Sunrise was somewhat overshadowed by the release of The Jazz Singer, which marked the beginning of the end of the Silent Era. While sound brought a new dimension to filmmaking, it's crucial not to forget the silent gems like Sunrise that showcased the power of storytelling through images, proving that true artistry transcends the boundaries of time and technology.
For wherever the sun rises and sets, in the city's turmoil or under the open sky on the farm, life is much the same; sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet.
Notable Accomplishments
Academy Award Winner: Unique and Artistic Picture at the 1st Academy Awards
Academy Award Winner: Best Actress in a Leading Role - Janet Gaynor
Inaugural Inductee into National Film Registry
Streaming: Hoopla, Tubi, Classix, FreeVee, Film Box. Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans is in the public domain, so you may be able to find free on YouTube.
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD
