Different from the Others

Customer Reviews:

Wish more of it survived.......2007-06-26

It's quite a pity that quite a bit of this film is lost, since the surviving portions presented are incredibly good and give the distinct impression that the entire product was quite compelling and well-made. Since there are so many explanatory intertitles and still pictures to pad out what's missing, it's kinda hard to be fully drawn into the story and the characters. And since most of the surviving footage is in roughly the second half, when the medical pioneer and sexologist Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld (one of my heroes) counsels various of the characters and gives a public lecture on how homosexuality is perfectly normal and natural instead of criminal, insane, or unnatural, it can come off seeming more like a long lecture on the subject instead of a story that's more entertaining (if one can use such a word to describe such a serious subject) than moralistic. Suffice it to say that this isn't going to be an ideal first silent, or even something the average silent connoiseur will easily get into unless s/he's already interested in the subject.

Paul Körner (Conrad Veidt) is a talented respected violinist whose life takes a sudden turn when a beautiful younger man, Kurt Sivers (Fritz Schulz), comes to him and begs to become his pupil. The two eventually become romantically involved, and all seems to be going well considering the repressive times, when male homosexuality was deemed a crime punishable by the bestial Paragraph 175, until another man sees them together in the park. He knows their secret, and, as was common in the days of Paragraph 175, uses extortion against Paul, who finally gets fed up and decides to stop paying him off. The blackmailer also hangs out at gay parties, leading one to wonder if he isn't being blackmailed himself for being gay or is just trolling for more victims to blackmail. And after making a pass at a man at the drag ball, Paul finds himself taken to court along with the blackmailer. In between these pivotal events are impassioned pleas from Dr. Hirschfeld to society to become knowledgable, tolerant, understanding, and accepting of homosexuality, to view it as a legitimate third sex instead of a crime or some sort of unnatural moral degeneracy, to work for the repeal of Paragraph 175, and to love the gay community instead of shunning them or trying to convert them. It seems like a surprisingly modern message for 1919, but luckily there was a brief period in German history when the strict censorship was lifted and society was more liberal, progressive, and open. It might not be one of the top essential silents, but given the important message and historical value, it's well worth a look.

Still holds up & an important silent film .......2007-03-28

Despite the typical silent film acting which may come across as overacting, this is an excellent film. Conrad Veidt's acting is very impactful & this was near the time of his CABINET OF DR CALIGARI acting venue. I certainly felt the tragedy of the character, the scene he is having a breakdown( I totally related!) & though not a great film as CALIGARI or METROPOLIS, it certainly is a worth having. Any gay community looking for a great conversation piece, I highly recommend this. Also, SEX IN CHAINS is another great German silent that deals with the issue of a taboo theme. BUY THEM!!!

Holy Grail of Queer Cinema.......2006-03-22

I never thought I would see this wonderful piece of cinema as when I came out in the mid-80's it was thought to have been lost forever to the Nazi maelstrom. I guess the first thing I should point out is that it is a partially complete reconstruction: I have seen fellow reviewers who found this fact deleterious to their enjoyment of the film but for me the film as presented is immmensely satisfying. The film making is very mature: it is not the kind of exploitation flick that Hollywood would indulge in decades later but a legitimate attempt to educate people about the third sex. The script has obviously been pieced together in its entirety and, despite the lost footage, the story still resonates. I found the experience of watching actors, possibly, older than my great grandparents portraying such an enlightened message the most delicious cinematic experience in my life. This dvd is certainly a historic document but it is worth watching as more than an anachronistic curio.

For those interested in gay history.......2006-01-31

For those who live with blinders and think that gay history began in 1969 with the Stonewall Riots, think again. This film from 1919 is an incredible and important work of art that reflects the understanding of homosexuality during the inter-war period in Germany. It reflects an understanding of homosexuality which has been largely lost today, dealing with the infamous Paragraph 175 as a part of an ongoing history of repression.

Watch this film and you will be amazed.

Today as Ever.......2005-04-24

In addition to being a beautiful black and white film, that pulls you into the story with haunting intensity, this film holds a historical lesson that is both precious and timeless. It is the amazing documentation of true progressive intelligence in a time of absolute adversity, when homosexuality was a crime punishable by the law known as paragraph 175. An artisitc and beautiful response to intolerance and bigotry, the film contains lessons from 1919 that are still uterlly applicable today. It is unswerving in it's view, amazingly progressive, and revolutionary in thought--before the talkies were even invented!!!!! This film is generally referred to as the first gay film known, and has only recently been restored enough and distributed on dvd. As impressive today as ever, the acceptance of sexual diversity as natural and necessary are expressed point blank: Excellent to say in this era, astounding to shout in 1919. Just under one hour long. Don't miss it.

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