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In 1929, F.W. Murnau (Nosferatu, Faust, Sunrise), one of the greatest of all film directors, invited leading documentarist Robert Flaherty (Nanook of the North, Moana, Man of Aran) to collaborate on a film to be be shot on location in Tahiti, a Polynesian idyll in which Murnau imagined a cast of island actors would provide a new form of authentic drama and offer rare insight into their "primitive" culture. The result of their collaboration was Tabu, a film that depicts the details of indigenous island life to tell a mythical tale that is rich in the universal themes of desire and loss. Subtitled a "Story of the South Seas", Tabu concerns a Tahitian fisherman (played by an islander, Matahi) and his love for a young woman (played by fellow islander Reri, who went on to star on Broadway) whose body has been consecrated to the gods, rendering her tabu as far as mortal men are concerned. The lovers flee their island and its restrictive traditions, but will their love prevail in the "civilised" world? Though Flaherty eventually left the film following a series of artistic and other differences (the film is credited as being "told by" Murnau and Flaherty, but directed by Murnau alone), what their South Seas adventure left behind was an Oscar winning film (the Academy Award went to cinematographer Floyd Crosby for his lyrical vision of island life) that is both poetic and simple in tone. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present, completely uncensored and fully restored, this landmark film of rare exoticism and magical beauty, described by critic Lotte Eisner in 1931 as "the apogee of the art of the silent film". SPECIAL FEATURES - A 96-page book featuring much archival imagery; articles by Scott Eyman (film critic and author of The Speed of Sound: Hollywood and the Talkie Revolution, 1926 1930); Richard Griffiths (author of The World of Robert Flaherty), and David Flaherty (Robert's brother and assistant director on the film); an interview with the film's cinematographer Floyd Crosby; and the original story treatments written by F.W. Murnau and Robert Flaherty for Tabu and its aborted predecessor Turia, Full-length commentary track. Details tba, Original theatrical trailer, More extras tba.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great directors Murnau and Flaherty make a movie together,
By Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)
This review is from: Tabu [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Tabu" was filmed entirely in Tahiti and represents a most unusual collaboration between two legendary directors: F. W. Murnau ("Sunrise") and Robert J. Flaherty ("Nanook of the North"). "Tabu" tells the story of Matahi, a young fisherman, who falls in love with the beautiful Reri. But when their love is doomed by a tribal edict, which decrees the her to be "tabu" to all men, the couple run away. However, civilization does not prove to be any better for the star-crossed lovers. A beautiful film, just for its depiction of life on the South Sea Islands, "Tabu" is exactly the type of film you would think Murnau and Flaherty would make together. This was Murnau's last film. After making three movies in Hollywood he was disillusioned with the studio system and was looking to make a partnership with Flaherty. This 1931 silent film, made three years into the sound era (a decision which perhaps owes as much to the difficulty of getting sound equipment to the South Pacific as it does to artistic inclination), won a well-deserved Oscar for Cinematography and was added to the National Film Registry in 1994.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Murnau's last movie...,
By fishtail (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tabu (A Story of the South Seas) [Masters of Cinema] [DVD] (DVD)
This is a visually stunning film and very different from some of Murnau's earlier expressionist movies. Filmed in Tahiti it tells the story of Matahi, a young fisherman, who falls in love with Reri. She has been declared Tabu though and is forbidden to have lovers but the young couple are not prepared to give up so easily...
The story is simple and told without intertitles much like Murnau's 'the Last Laugh'. Only certain facts are conveyed through signs, documents etc where necessary. The scenery and photography are stunning and although the film starts with a documentary feel the story soon takes over. It offers a fascinating glimpse into island life and is a pleasure to watch. I would recommend 'Tabu' more to those who are already fans of 'silents' or Murnau, who want to see more of his work. Those new to the genre might find his more well known films a better starting place. The extras include a 96 page book, commentary and documentary.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to Biting Form,
By Richard Francis (London, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tabu (A Story of the South Seas) [Masters of Cinema] [DVD] (DVD)
Although this seems a beguiling, innocent story, this critique of religion and capitalism borders on blasphemy. It is visually lavish and Murnau's play with dark and light is reminiscent of 'Nosferatu', as is the iconic imagery. The sharp, truthful ending has a powerful punch that will not bring happiness to the romantics out there but completes a strong, meaningful story. I love it. The extras are great as well. A detailed 80 page booklet, a commentary with two film experts and a 'making of' documentary gives a full account of the film. This is as good as it gets; although 'Faust' is still my favourite.
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