The Man
Who Laughs by Paul
Leni is an expressionistic drama that is characterized by a story that is as
tragic as it is touching. The film tells the story of Gwynplaine, who, as a
child, had his mouth operated on to make him smile permanently. This physical
disfigurement makes him both an attraction and an outsider in a cold-hearted
society. The only woman who loves him is blind and must never know the truth
about his appearance.
Who Laughs by Paul
Leni is an expressionistic drama that is characterized by a story that is as
tragic as it is touching. The film tells the story of Gwynplaine, who, as a
child, had his mouth operated on to make him smile permanently. This physical
disfigurement makes him both an attraction and an outsider in a cold-hearted
society. The only woman who loves him is blind and must never know the truth
about his appearance.
Image gallery
COLLAGE Stephan Graf v. Bothmer: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS
POSTER Stephan Graf v. Bothmer
The film
combines striking visual elements of German Expressionism with a deeply moving
character study. Conrad Veidt's portrayal of Gwynplaine is as sensitive as it
is iconic.
The Man
Who Laughs combines
tragedy, romance and social criticism to create an extraordinary work that is
one of the most impressive silent films of its time. With its intense imagery
and emotional depth, the film remains an unforgettable experience.
The film
influenced numerous other works: not only is the character of Gwynplaine the
inspiration for Batman's arch-enemy Joker, but masks and make-up of minor
characters can also be found in Joker comics and films to this day.
With his spectacular silent film concerts, Stephan Graf v. Bothmer fills theaters and
concert halls on five continents. He has performed at the Schleswig-Holstein
Festival and the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg, as well as in Berlin at the
Admiralspalast, the Wintergarten Varieté and the Berlin Cathedral, as well as
at the Rock-Pop Festival at Tempelhof Airport after Björk, Blur and the Pet
Shop Boys.
Bothmer's
compositions are characterized by an irrepressible joy of playing and
virtuosity that combines echoes of Chopin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and
electronic music in a unique way.
Dates
March 2025
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