This is a review of the silent version.
Benjamin Christensen's silent masterpiece "Häxan" of 1922 is easily one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring experiences a fan of Horror or cineaste in general can have. This film is fascinating and brilliant in so many aspects that it is hard to decide where to start. "Häxan" (aka. "Häxan" - Witchcraft Through the Ages") is a groundbreaking film, amazing and scandalous for its time in both its topics and its images, but its value as a classic and milestone is by far not the only quality this masterpiece bears. Not only is "Häxan" one of the most fascinating and groundbreaking films made in the 1920s, it is one of the most fascinating cinematic experiences to date.
The film breathtakingly follows the topic of witchcraft and witch-hunts in seven chapters, from different points of view, and in different styles. It begins fascinating already, with documentary-style explanations about the idea of witches,demons and sorcery in pagan cultures and medieval societies. The film then continues to show amazingly detailed examples of how the medieval European ideas of witchcraft were, how the people imagined the witches' pact with the devil, and their unholy rites. Some other chapters focus on the topic of medieval witch-hunts, and personal fates of those accused and their accusers.
Back when it was made, the film was heavily censored in many countries for its macabre topics and, especially for its explicit depictions. And indeed the film includes footage some of which one would not hold possible in a film from the time. It was not only the realistic, graphic depiction of torture in witch trials that shocked censors of time, but also the macabre rituals of witchery. I do not want to give away too much, but these scenes sure were shocking and unspeakably macabre back then. Some of them are still shocking today and all of them are fascinating. The film is also visually stunning, and incredibly creepy at times. Be it the devils and demons, the witches and their feasts, or the madness of witch-hunts and inquisition - all these scenes are brilliantly depicted in a breathtaking, immensely eerie manner. The astonishing black and white cinematography, and the duskiness of film of the time, only improve on this impression. Writer/director Benjamin Christensen as well as Art director Richard Louw, cinematographer Johan Ankerstjerne and editor Edla Hasen prove exceptional visual talent. Some of the visuals, such as the scenes when witches fly over the countryside on broomsticks are incredible for the time. Every single sequence of this is astonishing - "Häxan" simply is a film that fascinates on all levels. There is also a voiced-over English language version which was narrated by Willam S. Burroughs, which I have not yet seen. If I am considered, however, silence is golden in the case of "Häxan". The scenes are accompanied by a brilliant score, and the inter-titles are interesting and comprehensive. I also found many of the performances to be impressive.
I am always willing to accept different tastes in cinema, but whoever does not appreciate the greatness of "Häxan" is just plain wrong. This is an incredible cinematic experience that is intriguing and tantalizing beyond comparison. Nobody interested in cinema could possibly afford to miss this wonderful gem. "Häxan" is a uniquely brilliant film, and one of the most fascinating masterpieces in the history of motion pictures! 10/10
Benjamin Christensen's silent masterpiece "Häxan" of 1922 is easily one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring experiences a fan of Horror or cineaste in general can have. This film is fascinating and brilliant in so many aspects that it is hard to decide where to start. "Häxan" (aka. "Häxan" - Witchcraft Through the Ages") is a groundbreaking film, amazing and scandalous for its time in both its topics and its images, but its value as a classic and milestone is by far not the only quality this masterpiece bears. Not only is "Häxan" one of the most fascinating and groundbreaking films made in the 1920s, it is one of the most fascinating cinematic experiences to date.
The film breathtakingly follows the topic of witchcraft and witch-hunts in seven chapters, from different points of view, and in different styles. It begins fascinating already, with documentary-style explanations about the idea of witches,demons and sorcery in pagan cultures and medieval societies. The film then continues to show amazingly detailed examples of how the medieval European ideas of witchcraft were, how the people imagined the witches' pact with the devil, and their unholy rites. Some other chapters focus on the topic of medieval witch-hunts, and personal fates of those accused and their accusers.
Back when it was made, the film was heavily censored in many countries for its macabre topics and, especially for its explicit depictions. And indeed the film includes footage some of which one would not hold possible in a film from the time. It was not only the realistic, graphic depiction of torture in witch trials that shocked censors of time, but also the macabre rituals of witchery. I do not want to give away too much, but these scenes sure were shocking and unspeakably macabre back then. Some of them are still shocking today and all of them are fascinating. The film is also visually stunning, and incredibly creepy at times. Be it the devils and demons, the witches and their feasts, or the madness of witch-hunts and inquisition - all these scenes are brilliantly depicted in a breathtaking, immensely eerie manner. The astonishing black and white cinematography, and the duskiness of film of the time, only improve on this impression. Writer/director Benjamin Christensen as well as Art director Richard Louw, cinematographer Johan Ankerstjerne and editor Edla Hasen prove exceptional visual talent. Some of the visuals, such as the scenes when witches fly over the countryside on broomsticks are incredible for the time. Every single sequence of this is astonishing - "Häxan" simply is a film that fascinates on all levels. There is also a voiced-over English language version which was narrated by Willam S. Burroughs, which I have not yet seen. If I am considered, however, silence is golden in the case of "Häxan". The scenes are accompanied by a brilliant score, and the inter-titles are interesting and comprehensive. I also found many of the performances to be impressive.
I am always willing to accept different tastes in cinema, but whoever does not appreciate the greatness of "Häxan" is just plain wrong. This is an incredible cinematic experience that is intriguing and tantalizing beyond comparison. Nobody interested in cinema could possibly afford to miss this wonderful gem. "Häxan" is a uniquely brilliant film, and one of the most fascinating masterpieces in the history of motion pictures! 10/10