Directed by F.W. Murnau
Written by F.W. Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty
1931/US
Murnau-Flaherty Productions
IMDb page
Repeat viewing/YouTube
The Girl: [writing a goodbye letter] I must go. Hitu is here and waits for me. You will die if I do not obey. I will go so that you may live. The tabu is upon us. I have been so happy with you far more than I deserved. The love you have given me, I will keep to the last beat of my heart. Across the great waters, I will come to you in your dreams when the moon spreads its path on the sea. Farewell.
In his last film, a late silent movie, F.W. Murnau gives us a simply beautiful Romeo and Juliet story set in the South Pacific.
Robert J. Flaherty was supposed to co-direct this film and it has a documentary feel to it with many rituals of Polynesian life captured. A strong handsome young man (Matahi) falls in love with a beautiful young Riri (Anne Chevalier). Matahi is an expert spear fisherman. They live in Paradise and their love is idyllic.
Then aged warrior Hitu comes from the main island and announces the sacred virgin has died. Riri is the chosen successor. A man can be killed for even looking at her. The lovers flee to Papeete which has been Westernized by colonizers to a certain extent. Matahi also proves to be an expert at pearl diving. He is tricked out of his prize pearl by white men. Can the couple escape the long arm of Hitu?
This is beautiful to watch, the young actors are charming and natural, and the music is fun. It was Murnau’s final film. He died in an auto accident during post-production at only 42. Recommended.
Floyd Crosby won the Best Cinematography Oscar.
Con’s – it’s a silent (relevant and should be mentioned), a genre that usually bombs for me, but against that it looks superb – ah Magoo you’ve done it again – onto the list it goes, thanks.
(confused it with Taboo (1999 – not a pick), similar name and the much used term in 30’s 40’s for the Pacific – “south seas” – had me fooled into thinking “not interested”, glad I looked!)
The music and the flow of the story made me not notice that it was a silent within about five minutes.
(additional – since tou say watched youtube)
Masters of Cinema bluray includes interesting extras
Extras:
New 1080p HD transfer on the Blu – ray of the Murnau – Stiftung / Luciano Berriat úa 75th anniversary restoration of the pre – Paramount, longer Murnau – approved version of the film, with uncensored scenes and titlecards, appearing in its original 1.19:1 aspect ratio for the first time
Full – length commentary track by R. Dixon Smith and Brad Stevens.
15 – minute German documentary about Tabu by Luciano Berriat úa.
Newly presented outtakes from the original shoot of the film.
Masters of Cinemas releases always excite me but they do not play in my region and I don’t have a region free player.
The world lost a great director there. What a loss.
I came to expect so much from Murnau that this one was actually a bit disappointing. I love Murnau for the expressionism and here the documentary element seemed to be in the way.
Still who would not want to be on an island in the South Seas?
I spent my summer vacation on Mauritius and that was a bit in this direction.
btw. I still cannot get the blog roll to work. Will just have to check your page on a daily basis.
Tragic loss and so young! I think it’s probably hard to do expressionist lighting in the sunny South Pacific. When I worked in Papua New Guinea, the Embassy also covered the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. All little pieces of Paradise with many problems but great beauty.
By the way, I have long thought of picking up 1978 when you get there. You are getting close now! Still have several good films for 1977 to look forward to.
That would be wonderful!
I count ten more movies for 1977 = 2 months, so by October you will join me?
Yes. Or at least I plan on it.