The Man Who Laughs

Audience Reviews

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Joaquin U @Joaquin1 Aug 25, 2026 Very entertaining. Hard to miss when the source is Victor Hugo. A solid adaptation with an outstanding cast. Some confusion out there—many think it’s horror, but it’s really drama with a romantic core and political satire. Direction is notable, though the middle drags a little and the ending feels rushed. Still, worth it for Veidt’s powerhouse performance, Philbin’s fragile beauty, and Baclanova—Madonna before Madonna. Beyond that, it’s a landmark: the look that inspired the Joker and shaped Universal’s horror style: a gem, an icon, a joy to watch. See more Thomaz Antônio d @Thomaz1983 Jan 9, 2026 "A rainha fez de mim um lorde, mas, antes, Deus fez de mim um homem." Tão impressionante quanto comovente. See more Cameron H. @camthemovieman Oct 21, 2025 The story follows Gwynplaine, a man who was disfigured as a child by a king’s order, leaving him with a permanent grin. He becomes a sideshow performer in a traveling carnival, where he falls in love with the blind Dea. “The Man Who Laughs” is important to pop culture because it inspired the look of the Joker in early Batman comics. It also had a significant impact on the visual look of other Universal horror films such as Dracula and Frankenstein. The performances were powerful and emotional, it’s a compelling story of a man desperate to find not only romantic love, but also self-love and acceptance. It explores themes like revenge, love, and overcoming shame. I loved the production design, the blend of different genres like horror, thriller, romance, and dark comedy. It’s an excellent film worth watching for its impact on cinema and pop culture. See more Joel H @786Joel Oct 6, 2025 I’ve wanted to see The Man Who Laughs ever since I found out the look of the main character, Gwynplaine, was the inspiration for Batman’s arch nemesis, The Joker. To be honest, I may need to watch this silent film again because, for some reason, I was expecting it to be a horror film, and it’s not, which was a little disappointing. There are some gruesome aspects to this story, but it’s mostly a romantic drama. However, the cast does a fine job, and I appreciate the filmmaking, even if the plot drags in places. I also can’t get over how much Duchess Josiana (Olga Baclanova) looks like Madonna. See more matthias s @Thescreenasvor Mar 26, 2024 "The Man Who Laughs" was a cinematic journey that had been eagerly awaiting its turn on my watchlist, being a fan of Victor Hugo's literary prowess. The film's hauntingly beautiful music immediately captivated me, drawing me deeper into its tragic tale. As a comic book enthusiast, I couldn't help but wonder about the inspiration for the Joker character, and this film provided intriguing insights. While some may label it as horror, I found it to be a poignant narrative with just the right touch of spookiness. Conrad Veidt's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing; his ability to convey emotions solely through his eyes was truly remarkable. Yet, despite its emotional depth, the film felt a tad too slow-paced for my liking. Some scenes could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative, as the plot seemed thin at times. Nonetheless, I'm glad to have experienced this heartbreaking tale, even if it did drag on a bit too long for my taste. See more Willie V @RT50257025 Jan 15, 2024 I understand that some may be a bit against watching a silent film; however, I found this film to be done very well, and I can see why it is some people's highest recommendation in the genre. For starters, the actors' facial expressions and body movements effectively tell a compelling narrative, maybe even more than actual acting could have. It was great to see how powerful of a story was told through emotion and physical movements. The main character embodies what happens to be my favorite character archetype: the indomitable spirit, so others who may like similar characters may find something to enjoy here. His journey is not only a journey to find romantic love but also self-love and acceptance, which could relate to many. Something I also appreciated was how he transforms his own deformities into a source of laughter for others, even though it brings him sorrow. It is extremely relatable, as are many other themes in the film. Overall, I could see this being something people should watch at least once to appreciate the history of filmmaking. See more Read all reviews

The Man Who Laughs

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