Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

Plot

A farmer living in a rural village with his devoted wife and infant child falls under the seductive influence of a sophisticated woman from the city who is vacationing nearby. The city woman convinces the farmer to murder his wife by drowning her during a boat trip, promising they can then sell the farm and start a new life together in the city. As the farmer rows his unsuspecting wife across the lake, he becomes overcome with guilt and remorse at the sight of her terror, and instead embraces her, begging for forgiveness. The couple then takes a spontaneous trip to the city where they rediscover their love through various adventures, but their renewed bond is tested by a violent storm on their return journey that threatens to tear them apart once again.

Historical Background

Sunrise was produced during the peak of the silent era but released just as 'The Jazz Singer' (1927) was revolutionizing cinema with sound. This transitional period made studios cautious about investing in expensive silent productions, yet Fox took an enormous gamble on Murnau. The film represents the culmination of silent cinema's artistic achievements, showcasing what could be accomplished purely through visual storytelling. Made during the Roaring Twenties, the film reflects contemporary anxieties about urbanization and the perceived corruption of traditional rural values by modern city life. The massive budget and artistic freedom given to Murnau represented Hollywood's attempt to compete with European art cinema, particularly German Expressionism, by importing its leading talent.

Making Of

F.W. Murnau, already renowned in Germany for films like 'Nosferatu' and 'The Last Laugh,' was given complete artistic freedom by Fox Studios, making this one of the most expensive silent films ever produced. Murnau brought his entire German technical team to Hollywood, including cinematographer Karl Struss and screenwriter Carl Mayer. The production was notorious for its perfectionism - Murnau would sometimes shoot over 50 takes of a single scene. The innovative 'unchained camera' techniques, including movements that seemed to fly through walls and over landscapes, required custom-built camera rigs. The famous marsh sequence was particularly challenging, requiring the construction of a massive tank with controlled water levels and temperature. George O'Brien had to lose weight and grow his hair long for the role, while Janet Gaynor's natural, understated performance was revolutionary for its time, contrasting with the exaggerated acting typical of silent films.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles Rosher and Karl Struss revolutionized film technique through groundbreaking use of superimposition, forced perspective, and camera movement. The famous 'unchained camera' shots, including one that appears to fly through a window and another that glides over a city street, required custom-built dollies and tracks. The film used innovative lighting techniques, particularly in the marsh scenes where natural light was filtered through layers of silk to create ethereal effects. The contrast between the dark, shadowy countryside scenes and the bright, vibrant city sequences was achieved through careful control of exposure and lighting. The film also employed early forms of the Schüfftan process for certain composite shots. The Academy Award-winning cinematography established new standards for visual storytelling that would influence cinema for decades.

Innovations

Sunrise pioneered numerous technical innovations that would become standard in cinema. The film's use of superimposition was revolutionary, particularly in the sequence where the farmer imagines his wife's death. The camera movements, including the famous 'flying camera' shots, required custom-built equipment and meticulous planning. The film employed early forms of rear projection and matte painting techniques. The massive, detailed city set was an engineering marvel, featuring working trolleys, multiple levels, and thousands of individually crafted storefronts. The underwater sequences required specialized waterproof camera housings and carefully controlled water conditions. The film's use of the Fox Grandeur 70mm process for certain scenes was experimental and ahead of its time. These technical achievements were not mere gimmicks but served the film's emotional and narrative purposes.

Music

The original release featured a synchronized musical score and sound effects compiled by Carli D. Elinor, utilizing the Movietone sound-on-film system. The score combined classical pieces by composers like Wagner, Liszt, and Tchaikovsky with original compositions. Sound effects were synchronized to enhance key moments, including church bells, traffic noises, and storm sounds. This made Sunrise one of the first feature films with a synchronized soundtrack, though it remained a silent film in terms of dialogue. Various modern restorations have featured different scores, including a 2002 restoration with a new orchestral score by Timothy Brock. The film's musical approach demonstrated how sound could enhance rather than replace visual storytelling.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing the idyllic rural life with superimposed images of the city woman tempting the farmer
• The marsh scene where the farmer rows his wife toward her intended murder, with the famous superimposition of the city woman's face
• The trolley ride to the city, with the couple's emotional reconciliation
• The city sequence with its innovative camera movements and vibrant urban energy
• The amusement park scene where the couple rekindles their romance
• The storm at sea sequence testing their renewed love
• The final sunrise scene symbolizing redemption and new beginnings

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were virtually unanimous in their praise. The New York Times called it 'the most important picture yet produced' and 'a masterpiece of screen art.' Variety described it as 'a picture of unusual beauty and distinction.' Mordaunt Hall of the Times wrote that Murnau 'has endowed this production with a wealth of imagination and technical skill that has never been equaled.' Modern critics continue to celebrate the film; Roger Ebert included it in his Great Movies collection, calling it 'a visual poem.' The film currently holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it 'a visually breathtaking masterpiece of the silent era.' Sight & Sound's 2022 critics' poll ranked it #63 among the greatest films of all time.

What Audiences Thought

Initial audience reception was mixed, particularly in America where the film's artistic ambitions and lack of clear-cut melodrama confused some viewers accustomed to more straightforward narratives. The film's European release was more successful, with audiences more receptive to its avant-garde style. Over the decades, audience appreciation has grown significantly, with the film now celebrated at film festivals and revival screenings worldwide. Modern audiences often express astonishment at the film's emotional power and technical sophistication, especially considering its age. The film's reputation has been enhanced by its preservation and restoration, allowing new generations to experience Murnau's vision as intended.

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