Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, known as F. W. Murnau, remains one of the most influential figures in the annals of film history, particularly within the German Expressionist movement. His innovative directorial techniques and visual storytelling set new standards in the silent film era, leaving a lasting impact that transcended national borders and brought him to the attention of Hollywood, but as we are about to see, he also had an influence on the realism area.
Murnau’s success in Germany caught the attention of Hollywood, and he was soon invited to the United States by William Fox of Fox Film Corporation. Hollywood during the late 1920s was looking to invest in the talents of filmmakers who could bring new artistic perspectives to the burgeoning American cinema scene, especially as films transitioned from silent to sound. Murnau was attracted to Hollywood with the promise of greater creative freedom and access to superior filmmaking resources.
In Hollywood, Murnau’s most notable work was “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans” (1927), a film that utilized his expressionist techniques within the context of an American setting. “Sunrise” not only won critical acclaim, including three Oscars at the first Academy Awards but also influenced the visual style of American films, particularly in how they depicted psychological and emotional depth through visual storytelling.
In this article I want to focus on his attempt for realism in the movie “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas”.
“Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” – A Cinematic Exploration of Cultural and Personal Freedom
“Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” represents a unique collaboration between two giants of early cinema, Robert Flaherty and F. W. Murnau. However, the partnership was marked by creative differences that shaped the film’s production and final presentation.
Background: F. W. Murnau’s Personal Context
W. Murnau, a pivotal figure in the German Expressionist movement, was also a gay man during a period when homophobia was rampant and deeply institutionalized. Murnau’s sexuality influenced his artistic vision and his desire to explore themes of legitimacy and acceptance regarding human sexuality and desire. This personal backdrop was a driving force behind his approach to “Tabu,” which he envisioned as a film that would celebrate sexual and social freedom without the restrictive codes typical of Western society.
Creative Differences Between Flaherty and Murnau
Initially, the collaboration between Flaherty, known for his documentary-style filmmaking, and Murnau, renowned for his expressionistic techniques, seemed promising. Both directors sought to capture the authenticity of the South Seas setting and its people. However, as production progressed, their differing visions for the film became apparent. The partnership began to unravel after the first scene, with Flaherty favoring a more documentary and less stylized approach, while Murnau was drawn to a more narrative-driven and visually stylized technique.
The tension culminated in Flaherty leaving the production, feeling that the film was becoming increasingly artificial under Murnau’s direction. Murnau then took full control, steering the film towards a more dramatic and structured narrative that still maintained the authentic backdrop of the South Seas.
Plot and Themes of “Tabu”
“Tabu” tells a poignant story set in the South Seas, focusing on a young man and woman who are in love but find themselves caught in the clash between old tribal traditions and their desires. The film beautifully captures the natural behaviors and interactions of men and women, unencumbered by the restrictive societal norms found in more industrialized societies. Murnau utilized the realistic location to great effect, embedding his narrative within the lush, unspoiled landscapes of the South Seas to enhance the film’s themes of innocence and societal clash.
Reception and Legacy
“Tabu” was celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography and the way it portrayed its themes with sensitivity and depth. The film is often seen as a testament to Murnau’s genius in visual storytelling and his ability to convey complex human emotions. It also stands as a poignant narrative on the universal search for freedom and personal identity against the backdrop of imposing cultural norms.
“Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” remains a significant work in the histories of both F. W. Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty. Despite the initial collaborative challenges, the film showcases Murnau’s skillful direction and his dedication to exploring themes of freedom, love, and societal boundaries. It serves not only as a piece of cinematic art but as a reflection of Murnau’s own life experiences and his quest to portray the legitimacy of all human desires.
