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
You are asking why was Julian West chosen for the part of Allan Gray- in a Bordwell book that I am just reading (FILM HISTORY: AN INTRODUCTION Third edition), he writes that West was a young bourgeoisie who promised the funding for the film, if he would play the main role.
You are asking why was Julian West chosen for the part of Allan Gray- in a Bordwell book that I am just reading (FILM HISTORY: AN INTRODUCTION Third edition), he writes that West was a young bourgeoisie who promised the funding for the film, if he would play the main role.
@RujK- Thank you- good insight