The Man Who Laughs (1928) Directed by: Paul Leni Story by: Victor Hugo Starring: Conrad Veidt and Mary Philbin
What a cinematic treat! From the score to the costumes/sets such detail. Before he danced with the devil in the pale moon light, before he put a smile on anyone's face, before the laughing fish and gas there was Gwynplaine. Who is credited as being the inspiration for the Joker. Credit goes to seeing a still of Gwynplaine for inspiration of the Joker.
King James ll sentences his political enemy Lord Clancharlie to death and has his only living son, Gwynplaine permanently disfigured with a permanent grin by a comprachico. When the comprachico's are exiled they abandon young Gwynplaine. Being now forced to fend for himself he roams the land seeking refuge. 😭 He stumbles upon a woman and her child. Only able to save the baby he continues to roam the land where fate should have him arrive to Ursus (philosopher). Fast forward, the timeline Gwynplaine is now grown up and a star known as "The Laughing Man." The baby he saved is now the beautiful Dea who was born blind. As fate should have it the comprachico who gave him his grin knows he's the only living and rightful heir to the throne. He threatens the Duchess to expose the truth. Now, I can't reveal much more without giving spoilers. So, I'll end here for now.
My thoughts: Overall, this was beautifully executed. Imagine having to act with only using your eyes to convey your emotions as Viedt did. How deeply romantic and poetic it is. A heartwarming romance filled with tragedy, suspense, and enough visual art to make you smile. I absolutely loved this and I can't think of anything negative to say about it.
Final Score: 9/10-- Morgana
コメント