This 1919 German silent film has to be the earliest queer film I've seen. This, along with two other films made in Weimar Germany - 'Michael' and 'Sex in Chains' - stands as landmark in queer cinema. The movie is really ahead of its time; from the story treatment to the informed way of handling the theme of homosexuality, many countries can learn how artists of ages past (this one almost a century ago) have tried to tackle such subjects with grace and their own unique style. Many might be get annoyed by the long expository monologues, but considering the time and the intention of the film, it's completely understandable; movies have the power to enrich.
The film was adapted decades later in Britain - 'Victim', and the sad thing is that in countries like India, where such law sections are relevant even till this date, such a theme hasn't been explored properly on screen. I've always believed that informed exposure to a subject is a giant step closer to understanding and acceptance of it.
The actor Conrad Veidt who's the lead in the film becomes a star with his next year's film , 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', and even has a small role in 'Casablanca' as a Nazi (funnily, he fled from the Nazis to England).
Overall, interesting story and brilliant treatment.
The film was adapted decades later in Britain - 'Victim', and the sad thing is that in countries like India, where such law sections are relevant even till this date, such a theme hasn't been explored properly on screen. I've always believed that informed exposure to a subject is a giant step closer to understanding and acceptance of it.
The actor Conrad Veidt who's the lead in the film becomes a star with his next year's film , 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', and even has a small role in 'Casablanca' as a Nazi (funnily, he fled from the Nazis to England).
Overall, interesting story and brilliant treatment.