Showroom Film Studies - Autumn 2007: You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet!

Made at the turning point of cinema with the arrival of sound, Sunrise plays as a silent film but with a pre-recorded musical score and sound effects track. Directed by F.W. Murnau (of Nosferatu fame) with great visual flair, superb set design and a number of clever special effects. The story is a moving tale of infidelity, love and redemption, mixing high drama with lighter moments of comedy and is told beautifully. Performances are good, particularly Janet Gaynor, who is frankly luminous in the role of the wife. Sunrise is rightfully considered an early classic and gets my endorsement as such.

One star for historical significance - this was one of the first full-length talkies, although frankly you kind of wish they'd not bothered. Al Jolson is dire, an overbearing 'personality', a terrible actor and in this, delivers a performance of such unadulterated schmaltz that it had me reaching for a sickbag. Just awful.

Hollywood does musical cabaret in an attempt to attract show-goers and you have to question why? For the most part, the direction and camerawork is static and dull with only the odd shot or special effect to make advantage of the medium. The acts on show are a mixed bunch - mostly terrible, but there are the odd exceptions, notably Laurel & Hardy, Buster Keaton, some hair-raising acrobats and the first screen performance of "Singin' in the Rain".

This is more like it! A fizzing, funny romantic comedy with a darker undertone. Great dialogue and performances.

Stunning portrayal of life and death on the frontlines of the bloodiest conflict in history. Exceptional direction, design and production, especially of the battle scenes make up for acting that is at times not quite up to scratch. There are many familiar moments in this film but then you realise that they were done here first.