Gwynplaine and Dea
The Man Who Laughs (1928) Film
The story of Gwynplaine and Dea is tragic in the novel. I will be focusing on the version of the pair in the 1928 film.
Gwynplaine first finds Dea as a baby in the arms of her dead mother. Doomed to forever roam the land alone they find sanctuary with Ursus. Now, the spotlight shines on Gwynplaine who is the star in a traveling show. He is naturally drawn to Dea. Dea is the love of his life. The connection that pulled them together is unbreakable at least at first. With many obstacles along the way can these two finally find some peace? They eventually do.
Their connection is inescapable. Although Gwynplaine has reservations and chooses to be distant towards Dea because of the fear of rejection from his appearance. Dea see's the heart that resides in Gwynplaine. She see's the purity it holds. Gwynplaine feels this connection to the beautiful Dea. Dea and Gwynplaine are destined to be together. This film teaches the lesson that love knows all and sees all. Dea see's the real Gwynplaine even despite not being able to see. She see's the love he has for her and he see's the love she has for him. It's romantic. It's sincere. As the viewers we learn that even if the world sees you for something else. That special person see's you for who you really are. The world may make you out to be a monster but there is someone who can ground you completely at a mere embrace. It's deeply poetic. It teaches us that despite all appearances someone will see the real you. It's admirable.
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