Film+MusikFest: Paul Leni: The man who laughs – Halloween-Special

Film+MusikFest presents a Halloween‑Special feature: **Paul Leni: The Man Who Laughs** – a haunting blend of melodrama and dark horror that revives a long‑forgotten masterpiece. In this dramatic retelling, Paul Leni takes Victor Hugo’s 19th‑century novel *The Laughing Man* and crafts a chilling saga that captured the imaginations of early film critics and modern audiences alike. Critics were particularly enthralled by Conrad Veidt’s sensational performance, portraying a man whose face was forever twisted into a mad, permanent grin as punishment, forcing him into the spotlight as a grotesque showman. The story pulls viewers into late‑17th‑century England, where public curiosity spirals into voyeuristic fixation—yet beneath the terrifying spectacle beats a surprisingly good heart. This iconic legend not only sparked the creation of *Batman* and its many incarnations but also inspired Joaquin Phoenix’s razor‑sharp mask as the Joker in Todd Phillips’ 2019 film. Join us for an unforgettable musical and cinematic journey, and discover how a single twisted grin reshaped pop culture lore. **Details & tickets** available now.