Tabu: A story of the South Seas
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.
