Destiny (EOTWS)

End Of The Week Shorts #40 extract: Destiny (1921)

Lang's Destiny is a tremendous picture that seemingly sees Sjöström's Phantom Carriage integrated into Griffith's Intolerance. In such, this is an episodic film about death, fate and mourning wrapped in some powerful expressionism. 

With some great special effects and some incredible manipulation of the cinematic space through framing and lighting, this is a striking visual spectacle. Beyond this facade, however, is a complex story in terms of structure and subtext. Whilst some chapters of this episodic story are weaker than others, the front and back end of this narrative solidify it as a masterful silent picture. As this narrative develops, we then learn the true meaning of love being stronger than death; love will not overcome death, but, love, if it is genuine, overshadows all that lies beyond the now. 

For the manner in which the various elements of Destiny meld, this is then a film I won't hesitate in recommending.