The Man Who Laughs (1928)

[Jigsaw]

This dark and moody silent classic is one of those movies that's a classic for the reason. The cast is amazing, the story tragic yet deeply engaging, and it's not one that you'd soon forget. While not a horror movie in the strictest of senses, I do think fans of the genre, especially fans of the older flicks, would rather enjoy this.

What did you think about this classic silent?

[Chucky]

I actually saw this recently, I'll probably add a review after the new site is up.

[Jigsaw]

Hope you didn't hate it, as I know anything pre-1970's doesn't really jingle your bells.

[Chucky]

Well, I was gonna save my thoughts for my review, especially since I'll struggle to really do a lengthy review for a silent film that actually talks more about the film itself rather than how I formulate my rating but here is my opinion...

For a silent film, of which I have only ever seen a few, it is definitely a really good movie of its time. However, when I rate a movie, I try to factor in a few things such as my overall enjoyment factor by comparing it to ratings I have given to other movies, how eager I am to revisit it etc.

So in terms of how eager I am to revisit it, I probably never will. I mean, I already get annoyed enough having to read subtitles for foreign movies so you can imagine how annoyed I may get from watching a silent film, though I obviously understand the limitations of film back then and so I try, as hard as it is, to give silent films a break for that reason BUT it's inescapable that it DOES affect my enjoyment.

So essentially what I do when rating a movie is I compare it to movies that I gave pretty mediocre scores to and see if I rate it above or below those before I decide on my rating. I could look at anything like Rawhead Rex or Lorna the Exorcist or something like that, movies which I may have given ratings of 6/10 for and decide, do I enjoy it more or less than those movies...

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it more than those movies, so then I have to compare it to others that I have given lower scores. It may be sad to say as I respect the hell out of this movie for what it is in relation to when it was made, but my score would end up being maybe a 4/10.

I know giving it that type of rating seems like a slap in the face, I almost don't want to review it for that simple fact, but I guess it's important to be as honest as I can in relation to my tastes so if someone else comes along and compares scores etc, those results will reflect correctly rather than me giving it a good rating while never having a desire to ever watch it again.

But if it's any consolation, if someone asked me to recommend a really good silent movie, I'd have no hesitation in recommending The Man Who Laughs.

P.S. I only really watched it because my wife really enjoys these older movies, she really liked it.

[Jigsaw]

That's all fair.

I've not gotten around to rewatching and reviewing movies like The Shining (1980), Carrie, or The Exorcist, but when I do, none of them are getting an above average rating, despite their high popularity in the horror community. Even if a movie is well-respected, you're right, you have to be honest with your review. So when the new site is up, you write out your thoughts and put up a 4/10 on it. Don't let a movie's stature make you feel you can't criticize it. Believe me, when I get to Carrie, I will not be kind.

The Man Who Laughs isn't my favorite silent film, and I can't see myself watching it again for fun (Maciste in Hell, though...). It's a classic for a reason, but I entirely understand that most silent films don't appeal to horror fans, which I think is a shame (avoiding a silent movie, avoiding black-and-white movies, both limit you to what you might otherwise enjoy), but I do understand it.

Your wife should be a mod, so she can write another positive review, then. 

I seriously do appreciate you giving it a chance, though, if only to make your wife happy.

[Dorkus]

This is the movie that basically inspired the creation of The Joker, if I recall.

[Jigsaw]

Indeed. and The Bat (one version from 1926, the remake from 1930), was partly the inspiration for Batman's design, if I recall.