Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) | SCreenings

Another silent film from 1927, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans is directed by F.W. Murnau and starred George O’Brien and Janet Gaynor. It was adapted from the short story “The Excursion to Tilsit” by Carl Mayer and went on to win two of the first Academy Awards, both Best Actress and Best Cinematography. At this point, I’m beginning to think of Janet Gaynor as my 1920s bae.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

Luckily for me, Sunrise was also available on YouTube which I noticed after it appeared on my “Recommended for you” videos. I was initially worried since I remember reading that the film’s negatives were destroyed in a fire and that it might be one of those “lost” films, but luckily someone was able to make a copy for the masses to enjoy. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when I began this movie about a sordid affair between a married farmer, The Man, and a floozy, The Woman from the City.

Right away, I was stunned with how hot George O’Brien was- A touch of Ryan Gosling mixed with Chris Evans. His character lacked any sort of spine and had zero concern for his wife, but his trysts with a pretty flapper from the city on vacation were saucy, and it wasn’t long until she pleaded with him to go back with her. While he objects because he has a wife, Margaret Livingston’s lustful city girl demeanor gets dark as she encourages The Man to kill his wife. “Just take her out for a boat ride and throw her over,” she coos at him. The Man’s faces are perfection during this scene, as are the dialogue cards while he struggles with what do. Cue the perfect, delicate flower that is Janet Gaynor as she agrees to a boat ride with the husband she loves dearly while the town’s old maids gossip about how unhappy their marriage is. Surely this is a chance for them to reconnect! Her happiness is beyond infectious as she all but skips to meet her husband for their daylight boat ride, but it’s not long as she realizes something is afoot. The acting is just phenomenal as The Man’s inner struggle comes to a head and he cannot bring himself to toss out his dear wife.

While F.W. Murnau’s sets aren’t particularly laden with details, his direction, especially with the lighting details, adds much to the atmosphere between characters. It’s also worth it to note this is the first time where the camera is in motion during a film, and at times it’s shaky, but a different touch from “7th Heaven.” The moviefone score was perfect. It crescendos at the most romantic of moments between our main characters, and added a blissfully sinister overtone to the early interactions between The Man and The Wife.

While I felt every second of the movie, my favorite scene is where The Man takes The Wife and kisses her good and well. It’s a dizzying, beautiful kiss, as they cause traffic jams, scenery to change, and it’s like the whole span of their love exists in just those few moments. It’s a fucking beautiful piece of film.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans was enjoyable, but as the pacing felt slow in places, I’m not sure it’s one I’d watch again. You can definitely find the film on Amazon or at your local video store!

SCreenings is a series of movie diaries from our staff, currently being monopolized for the daunting task of watching every Oscar nominee by one of our editors