Perhaps if I was living in Vienna in the 1920's I would be able to appreciate this film more. But there are a few flaws that might still will not rank well with me.
This film is an example of the Neue Sachlichkeit movement in Germany, leading to a number of "street" films, supposedly demonstrating how real life can be more interesting and horrible than anything made up in the movies. G.W. Pabst was one of the biggest supporters of realism, and so in his movie "Die freudlose Gasse" he tried to avoid symbolism and artistic influence, and just give a documentary-like presentation.
His goal seems to fall short though, in the excessive acting reminiscent of Reinhardt's theater style, and in the corny Hollywood type ending. I can't seem to identify with any of the characters because they're just silly stereotypes of the kind of people Pabst wanted to portray.
Overall, there is just to much melodrama for a work of realism and not enough creativity to keep it interesting.
This film is an example of the Neue Sachlichkeit movement in Germany, leading to a number of "street" films, supposedly demonstrating how real life can be more interesting and horrible than anything made up in the movies. G.W. Pabst was one of the biggest supporters of realism, and so in his movie "Die freudlose Gasse" he tried to avoid symbolism and artistic influence, and just give a documentary-like presentation.
His goal seems to fall short though, in the excessive acting reminiscent of Reinhardt's theater style, and in the corny Hollywood type ending. I can't seem to identify with any of the characters because they're just silly stereotypes of the kind of people Pabst wanted to portray.
Overall, there is just to much melodrama for a work of realism and not enough creativity to keep it interesting.