Murnau: The City Woman

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One of the most important techniques in this film is the use of dopplegangers; both external

and internal. Externally, the two women in the story, the wife and the woman from the city,

embody the internal dopplegangers present in everybody, particularly the husband. The two

women are exact opposites, also representing the struggle between modernist and anti-modernist

values. The city woman portrays the “evil” side of humanity, riddled with greed, lust, and

deception. Physically, the city woman had short, dark hair, representing the rebellious city life.

Her flapper-esque dress is short and curve hugging, giving her movement a serpent-like quality.

She also smokes, a symbol of women’s independence in the 1920s. On the other hand, the wife …show more content…

Lighting is another

technique used to highlight the differences between the two women. When the city vamp is

given screen time, there is dim lighting, creating a dubious, apprehensive atmosphere. On the

other hand, bright light constantly shines on the wife, giving her an angelic persona.

3. It is important to understand that Murnau was a leading pioneer in the art of German

expressionism, and this is apparent in Sunrise. This genre is very symbolic and stylized in nature

and tends to focus on themes other than romance and adventure. Many times the topics and

imagery tend to tap into the darker side of the human experience. Sunrise for example focuses on

betrayal. Murnau plays with visuals, intriguing the audience. For instance, the title cards have a

life of their own. Employing text art, the word “drowning” drowns itself. Also, the story is

shown through expressionistic imagery. Animals and scenery accentuate emotions and scened

have the ability to tell the story. For example, still birds over the lake, an emotionally attached

and protective dog, swampy and foggy landscapes all exaggerate the mood of the film.

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