It could be read in so many ways. Is it criticizing over emphasis on costumes and status symbols? Or is it pro socialism/anti capitalism, criticizing the clash system, where the last man will always be last, at least in this life? Or is it just about the tragedy of growing old? Do the clothe or does the money make the man or is it the heart?
- This comment is most likely authentic and fairly close to what I intended to say -
I simply read it as a look at the tragedy of growing old. The porter is so obsessed with getting his coat back because its who he is and gives him status amongst those he lives with.
Pro socialist...? I'll have to watch it a few more times! definitely a film worth analysing.
Not necissarily pro-socialist, but it could be read as an early social-realistic film. About pride, status and growing old.
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Hugs...
From my perspective I saw Der letzte Mann as a commentary on class. The wealthy guests at the hotel had it easy, while the protagonist with his working-class background suffered turbulent times even before being demoted. Der letzte Mann's unrealistic happy ending completely destroys this commentary. The protagonist becomes equally extravagant as the wealthy guests he once served. Some have commented that the ending is meant to be interpreted as satire, though I did not come to this interpretation.
I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.
Der letzte Mann's unrealistic happy ending completely destroys this commentary. The protagonist becomes equally extravagant as the wealthy guests he once served. Some have commented that the ending is meant to be interpreted as satire, though I did not come to this interpretation.It's been several decades since I saw this film, but in the print I saw way back when, the film's lone intertitle, appearing just before the final scene, pretty much spells it out in black and white that the "happy ending" is tacked on as a satiric contrivance. I don't know if more recent prints change (or abolish altogether) this intertitle .... share
The unrealistic ending definitely screws up whatever message they were going for. He randomly received exorbitant wealth for no legitimate reason at all, which is kind of hard to pass off as a good moral story.
shareIt's a plea for more dignity. For the old, for the poor, for the workers.
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