Have you ever watched a silent movie? You should! Silent movies were almost completely abandoned after the invention of sound recorders, however, I doubt this was a good decision. Silent films leave specific details to the viewers imagination, making not only filming one but also watching one a creative process. However, since they have been left behind, they also now offer a sense of nostalgia to anyone adventurous enough to watch one. For these reasons, watching a silent movie can be a surprisingly enjoyable experience. Specifically, I recommend I Don’t Want to Be a Man.
Teenager Ossi, played by Ossi Oswalda, is tired of being a girl in what she views as a man’s world. She is proud to be unruly until her new guardian, Dr. Kersten who is played by Curt Goetz, shows up to teach her how to be a lady. Frustrated by his strict teachings she decides to break free by impersonating a man. As she goes about exploring her new freedoms, she is surprised by new rules and restrictions as well.
This film is a social commentary about gender roles and stereotypes but it maintains a light and comical air. As I watched I was increasingly surprised by the bold decisions director and writer Ernst Lubitsch made with the plot line. He and co-writer Hanns Kraly created a story that was ahead of it’s time. For 1918 German film writers, they took big risks that go far beyond dressing a girl as a boy! Luckily it paid off for them and the film was a big hit and continues to shock and please audiences today.
I really loved almost every aspect of this movie. The clever writing of a fun period piece always makes for a good show. In fact, just watching the characters dramatize every move to mime emotion without words is enough to make you laugh to fall out of your seat. Especially when a teenager is involved! I did not hesitate to give this movie four bright, gold stars! Catch it on Netflix before it’s too late to see if you agree.
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