The Last Laugh
d. F.W. Murnau, 1924
Murnau's The Last Laugh is a very interesting film. Not only are Murnau's compositions quite interesting but this film could be one of the most "silent" of all of silent films; Murnau does not really use any title cards. Instead, he develops his story through striking images. The Last Laugh is about an aging doorman who takes pride in his work, and is devastated when the hotel has to let him go because of his old age. The film follows the doorman (a billiant Emil Jannings) as he tries to come to terms with his life. But, indeed, the man does have the last laugh.
