An aging doorman, after being fired from his prestigious job at a luxurious hotel is forced to face the scorn of his friends, neighbours and society.
F.W. Murnau’s The Last Laugh (“Der Letzte Mann”), a German silent film, is a landmark in cinematic history. It follows the story of an unnamed hotel doorman (Emil Jannings), highly regarded in his community due to his prestigious job. However, he is demoted to the humiliating position of a washroom attendant due to his aging body’s inability to lift luggage. The film explores his attempts to hide this demotion from his family and the resulting humiliation when they eventually find out. The movie famously lacks title cards, relying heavily on visual storytelling, particularly innovative camera techniques that were groundbreaking at the time, such as the first use of a dolly shot
The plot takes a dramatic turn when the doorman inherits a vast fortune from a former hotel guest, only to return to the hotel in a reversal of fortune. This unexpected ending, though somewhat absurd, satirizes the transient nature of status and wealth. Despite its somber theme, the film ends with a comedic twist
Themes of The Last Laugh
- The Fragility of Social Status: The film critiques how deeply people are tied to their social position, particularly in terms of work. The doorman’s identity is shattered when he loses his prestigious job, highlighting society’s emphasis on status.
- Humiliation and Pride: The film’s central character is defined by his shame and pride, which drives him to extremes. His desperation to hide his demotion underscores the human need for dignity, even in the face of trivial social roles.
- The Absurdity of Life: The Last Laugh presents life as an absurd, uncontrollable series of events, especially evident in the final, nearly comical twist where the doorman becomes wealthy again. This reflects the unpredictable nature of fortune and success.
- Isolation and Alienation: The film explores the emotional toll of social alienation, especially through the doorman’s disconnection from his family, who disowns him upon learning about his job change.
10 Reasons to Watch The Last Laugh
- Groundbreaking Cinematography: The innovative camera techniques, such as the dolly shot, set the film apart as a pioneering work in the history of cinema
- Iconic Performance by Emil Jannings: Jannings’ portrayal of the doorman captures both the character’s internal torment and his outward pride with remarkable depth
- Silent Film Mastery: As a quintessential example of silent cinema, the film showcases how storytelling can be driven by visuals, making it a crucial study for film enthusiasts.
- The Power of Visual Storytelling: Murnau’s ability to communicate complex emotions and narratives without dialogue demonstrates the power of visual cinema
- Historical Significance: The Last Laugh was one of the first films to achieve such a high level of cinematic artistry, influencing both German expressionism and Hollywood filmmaking
- Emotional Depth: The character of the doorman is portrayed with such nuance that audiences can feel his despair and fleeting triumph, making it a deeply emotional film.
- Universal Themes: The themes of humiliation, status, and the fickleness of fate are timeless, resonating with audiences across different eras
- Satirical Critique of Society: The film’s critique of social status and the absurdity of life offers sharp, relevant commentary that is still pertinent today
- Unique Ending: The film’s unexpected and somewhat absurd ending will leave you pondering the nature of fate and fortune
- Cultural Legacy: As a piece of cinematic history, watching The Last Laugh allows viewers to understand the roots of modern cinema and the silent film era’s artistic achievements
What Will You Feel After Watching?
After viewing The Last Laugh, expect to feel a mixture of melancholy and intrigue. The film’s examination of human pride and fallibility will likely evoke a sense of empathy for the doorman. The abrupt and somewhat comedic ending might provoke a sense of unease, as it questions the meaning of success and the randomness of life. Overall, The Last Laugh will leave you reflecting on the transient nature of social identity and the absurdity that often accompanies life’s challenges.
