Funny what lust does to a man............

I thought the dog jumping off the dock into the water and swimming out to the boat was just a wonderful touch. And true to form, the dog shook off his wet fur, yet the woman didn't seem to mind too much. It was really a touching scene, especially if you love dogs.




And I thought, "My God, the genius of that, the genius, the will to do that." – Apocalypse Now

No, The Man's appearance was not done to show viewers what sin can do to someone. The Man appears to be tortured by his reluctant decision to murder his wife. At times it seems to be grating on his conscience, hence the sleeplessness, and his "black-rimmed eyes". Remember before he fell asleep, river water was superimposed over his face? That's how much he was thinking about the plot.

George O'Brien wasn't nearly dragging his feet on his own (although he probably could have), the director put lead weights in his boot, and instructed him that he need walk like a "monster" or golem. To me, The Man's gait seems to reflect some type of inner struggle. Yes, he reluctantly agreed to kill his wife, but that doesn't mean he was already a natural born psychopath, void of conscience.

Oh, a tidbit of information I found out one day is that George O'Briens slow, lumbering walk helped influenced 1931's Frankenstein!

It's impossible to say how far their country home was from the city. I don't know what it matters though. And, truth be told, I have yet to see a public transportation employee behind the "wheel" without a uniform on.

You're right about the overacting. It was a must during the silent era. Actors could not use their voice. And the clichéd mannerisms today's movies are filled with didn't exist way back then. But there are many other great silent movies to laugh at. Like The Crowd. Oh the overacting in that movie is funny as heck, particularly when the daughter is hit by a truck, and then later dies! Metropolis, one of cinema's timeless classic is also full of hilarious over-acting. Don't forget The Big Parade, Wings, or Beyond The Rocks. Comedy at it's finest.

Let's not forget the movie was made in 1927, not 2007. The world of cinema was much different back then. Also, there's plenty of literature out there to help you understand all the elements found within Sunrise, like the German expressionism, visuals, and the acting. Really fascinating stuff to read.