Saturday, 5 May 2012

Faust (1926)




☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

Faust (1926) – F. W. Murnau

There is a heavy density to the images on the screen, like they were scrawled with charcoal. The chiaroscuro lighting renders some figures and objects stark while all around them (at the edges) trails off in fuzzy obscurity. And, yes, Satan is lurking here, during the time of the plague, engaging in his infernal mischief. Poor Faust treads the slippery slope, but liebe conquers all. Amazing to watch, as though film artistry were being invented before your eyes (with some great analog special effects).


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