39 Facts About The Movie Tabu: A Story Of The South Seas

Tabu is set in the South Pacific.

The movie takes place on the islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti, showcasing the beauty of the region’s landscapes and cultures.

It was filmed on location.

Murnau insisted on shooting the film on the actual islands, capturing authentic scenery and traditions.

The film is divided into two parts.

The first part, “Paradise,” portrays the idyllic island life, while the second part, “Paradise Lost,” delves into the conflict and tragedy faced by the main characters.

The story revolves around forbidden love.

A young woman named Reri falls in love with a pearl diver named Matahi, but their romance is forbidden by the tribal chiefs.

The film explores themes of tradition and sacrifice.

Tabu delves into the clash between tribal customs and personal desires, as Reri and Matahi struggle to defy societal expectations.

The movie was heavily influenced by German expressionism.

Murnau, known for his work in German cinema, brought his unique visual style to create a dreamlike atmosphere in Tabu.

The film was a collaboration between Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty.

Flaherty, a renowned documentary filmmaker, contributed to the authenticity and realism of the film.

Tabu was a commercial failure upon its initial release.

Despite critical acclaim, the film did not perform well at the box office, leading to financial difficulties for the production company.

The movie received a revival in the 1980s.

Decades after its release, Tabu gained recognition and appreciation for its artistic merits, finding a new audience.

Tabu is a unique blend of documentary and fictional storytelling.

Murnau’s collaboration with Flaherty resulted in a film that blurs the line between reality and fiction.

The character of Reri was played by an actual island girl.

Matahi’s love interest, Reri, was portrayed by a young Tahitian girl named Anne Chevalier.

The film features stunning underwater photography.

Murnau utilized innovative techniques to capture the beauty and mystery of the ocean depths.

The title “Tabu” means taboo or forbidden in the Polynesian language.

The name perfectly encapsulates the central theme of forbidden love in the film.

The movie has no spoken dialogue.

Being a silent film, Tabu relies solely on visuals and intertitles to convey the story.

Tabu: A Story of the South Seas was Murnau’s last film.

Sadly, this masterpiece became the final work of F.W. Murnau, as he tragically died in a car accident shortly after its completion.

The film was considered lost for many years.

Tabu was thought to be lost forever until a print of the film was discovered in the 1970s.

Tabu influenced future filmmakers.

The groundbreaking cinematography and storytelling techniques used in Tabu inspired generations of filmmakers who followed.

The score for the film was composed by Hugo Riesenfeld.

Riesenfeld’s evocative score enhances the emotional impact of the film.

Tabu won the Best Cinematography award at the 4th Academy Awards.

The film was recognized for its stunning black and white cinematography, which captured the beauty of the South Seas.

It was Murnau’s only film to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Tabu received the only Academy Award nomination of Murnau’s career.

The movie was a collaboration between American and German filmmakers.

Tabu was produced by Robert Flaherty, a pioneer of American documentary filmmaking, and directed by F.W. Murnau, a prominent German director.

The film’s original title was “Tabu: Eine Geschichte von den Südsee-Inseln.”

The movie was released in Germany with this title, emphasizing its German influence.

Tabu is considered a precursor to the genre of ethnographic film.

The blending of documentary and fiction in the film laid the foundation for future ethnographic works.

The movie showcases the customs and rituals of Polynesian culture.

Through its portrayal of tribal life, Tabu provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the South Seas.

Tabu was added to the National Film Registry in 1994.

The film was recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance by the United States Library of Congress.

The film’s final scene is hauntingly beautiful.

The poignant and visually striking ending of Tabu lingers in the memory of viewers long after the film concludes.

Tabu represents a departure from Murnau’s previous works.

Known for his expressionistic style, Tabu showcases Murnau’s ability to adapt his visual language to different genres.

The movie explores the clash between tradition and modernity.

Tabu highlights the tension between traditional island customs and the encroachment of Western influences.

The film’s release was delayed due to legal issues.

A lawsuit filed against the production company resulted in a delay in Tabu’s release.

Tabu remains a testament to the power of silent cinema.

The film demonstrates how visuals and storytelling can create a deep emotional impact without the need for spoken words.

The love story in Tabu is considered timeless.

Despite being released almost a century ago, the forbidden romance at the heart of the film resonates with audiences to this day.

Tabu served as an inspiration for filmmakers of the French New Wave.

The innovative storytelling techniques used in Tabu influenced filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut.

The movie explores the destructive power of jealousy.

Jealousy plays a significant role in the downfall of the main characters, adding a tragic element to the story.

Tabu showcases the beauty of the South Seas.

The stunning landscapes and seascapes of Bora Bora and Tahiti add to the visual allure of the film.

The film’s release was accompanied by a promotional campaign emphasizing its exoticism.

Tabu was marketed as a thrilling adventure into the mysterious world of the South Seas.

The movie was an international co-production.

Tabu was a collaboration between German and American filmmakers, which contributed to its global appeal.

Tabu features a non-linear narrative structure.

The film jumps back and forth in time, adding complexity and depth to the storytelling.

The vibrant costumes in Tabu add to the visual richness of the film.

The attention to detail in the clothing of the characters enhances the sense of authenticity.

Tabu: A Story of the South Seas is a timeless masterpiece.

This influential film continues to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing visuals and powerful storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” is a remarkable movie that captured the essence of love, sacrifice, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The collaboration between F.W. Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty resulted in a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day. The film’s beautifully crafted cinematography, captivating storyline, and powerful performances make it a must-see for any cinema lover.

Through this tale of forbidden love and cultural exploration, “Tabu” transports viewers to a different world, immersing them in the beauty and challenges faced by the characters. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and how movies can transcend language and time to connect with a universal audience.

Whether you’re a fan of silent films or someone looking to dive into the rich history of cinema, “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” is a must-watch film that will leave a lasting impression on you. Its timeless themes and artistic brilliance continue to make it a significant contribution to the world of cinema.

FAQs

1. When was the movie “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” released?

The movie was released in 1931.

2. Who were the director and co-director of the movie?

The movie was directed by F.W. Murnau and co-directed by Robert J. Flaherty.

3. What is the significance of the movie’s title, “Tabu”?

The title “Tabu” refers to the concept of a taboo, highlighting the forbidden love and cultural clashes depicted in the film.

4. Is the movie a silent film?

Yes, “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” is a silent film.

5. What makes “Tabu” a notable film?

“Tabu” is notable for its stunning cinematography, powerful storytelling, and the collaboration between two influential directors, F.W. Murnau and Robert J. Flaherty.