Although it's not a film that bowls you over, there are some interesting touches. The film-within-a-film framework, the direct appeals to the audience, the overt sexuality. The look of the film is impressive, with a lavish set, striking lighting techniques, and a few bold camera angles. Jannings is hammy as usual, but in an enjoyable way. The dual stories being told are simplistic and predictable, but fun to go along with. Even if this isn't one of Murnau's most memorable works, it's worthwhile.

A simple film with fable-like qualities and a few interesting characterizations. Emil Jannings is good as the title character, but I especially liked Rosa Valetti as the malevolent housekeeper. The story is framed in a clever self-referential manner, and I'm a sucker for movies about movies. There is a scene that breaks the fourth wall though, which is a cheesy gimmick but only a small complaint. Of course it looks amazing, and there's a comedic element that works nicely.