F.W. Murnau

 

F.W. Murnau was a well-known German film director. Murnau was born in December 1889 in Germany. He studied philosophy, art history and literature at the University of Heidelberg and University of Berlin. Murnau became a friend of director Max Reinhardt while working with him. Reinhardt invited Murnau to work with him as an assistant director, but the opportunity was stalled due to the outbreak of World War I. During WWI, Murnau served as a company commander and was in the German air force. After serving during WWI, Murnau worked in Switzerland directing propaganda films for the German embassy. His directing career took off from there. 

F.W. Murnau directed the film "The Last Laugh" in 1924. This film is one of Murnau's most known films. "The Last Laugh" established Murnau's reputation as one of the top German directors. This film was also known for its filming techniques. For example, cameras were mounted to bicycles and overhead wires to capture scenes in a new way.

Murnau moved to America later in his career. He produced his first American production in 1927. Murnau was very successful in America, and was even known for producing one of the best silent films to ever come from a Hollywood studio. Four years after moving to California and producing his first American film, Murnau was killed in car accident at the age of 41. Murnau is well-known for his films and directing to this day.