• Once you get over that it’s going to be a somewhat (relative to a top 25 film of all-time) disappointing follow-up to the passion of joan of arc (Dreyer’s previous film) it’s a very impressive gothic/expressionist moody slow-burn of a film
  • Gorgeous wallpaper throughout- great décor
  • I’m guessing Julian West (plays lead Allan Grey) was chosen for those wide expressive eyes (he’s no Falconetti but still)
  • The film is filled with film technique invention and experimentation. We have a great scene of a superimposed show of a creature along the river
  • Plenty of work with shadows
  • Rolling tracking shots along a dark coordinator (and that corridor has complicated mise-en-scene and silhouettes)
  • Very atmospheric— draped in fog– really no narrative movement which is going to drive horror fans nuts
  • The shadow expressionism here is clearly influenced by caligari and nosferatu by Murnau—the camera is also very adventurous like Murnau’s sunrise
  • More experimentation with film techniques from Dreyer- we have him playing with film stock speed and reversing the photography as well— he also messes around with technology here making West transparent
  • Eerie film that makes you feel like you’re floating or transported—quite lyrical
  • Long title cards- seems like every 3-5 minutes
  • The film has two main locations- the hotel and the house and the best scene is where he walks from the hotel to the house- it’s a stunner
  • It’s absolutely fair to call this his “Murneau film”—and a damn good one
  • Fabulous shot from inside and outside the coffin
  • Reoccurring formal shot of the sky
  • Strong climax with superimposed head outside and the camera whipping around
  • Open ending. Is it the freedom of heaven (Dreyer auteurism) or is he another victim
  • Must-See film- top 5 of the year quality