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Murnau films all of this in a remarkably modern style, using flashbacks and fantasies, intricate camera work, vivid editing tricks and clever visual effects. The grainy black and white cinematography looks sumptuous--the film seems groundbreaking even today! Especially when you consider that this silent film has far more emotional resonance than most contemporary movies. It's moving and completely engrossing, and often as intense as a Hitchcock film.

The performances are natural and involving; O'Brien and Gaynor have a striking chemistry that draws us in, while Livingston is such a conniving sexpot that we believe she's a real threat. We travel with these people, as well as several hilariously colourful side characters, through scenes of deep happiness, soaring joy, hilarious comedy, droll earthiness and agonising fear and pain. There's a constant sense of impending tragedy, that there will be some sort of cosmic reckoning in the end. And yet Murnau throws in terrific touches like a drunken runaway piglet, a cheeky photographer (McDonald) and a flirty manicurist (Winton). This is a breathtaking masterpiece that's just as potent now as when it was made. Reissued on a pristine new print (and DVD), it's a must for every film fan.