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Häxan (Witchcraft Through the Ages)
Criterion Collection (1922)
Actors: William S. Burroughs, Benjamin Christensen,
Astrid Holm, Gerda Madsen, Maren Pedersen
Directors: Benjamin Christensen
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video,
Subtitled, NTSC
Language: Swedish
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
Rating 
Studio: Criterion
DVD Release Date: October 16, 2001
Run Time: 104 minutes
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Witchcraft through the ages is explored with dark wit in this silent classic.
Writer-director Benjamin Christensen uses a historical study of witchcraft as a
jumping-off point for a fascinating film that is part science, part horror, and
part social commentary. This Criterion edition uses a beautiful print, a
rearrangement of music from the original Danish premiere, and the original
Swedish intertitles (with subtitles). Goodies include commentary by Danish film
scholar Casper Tybjerg, the option of watching a narrated version without
intertitles, and test shots from the film. The test shots, in particular, give
insight into the early filmmaking process, as when Christensen uses his own
image to try out (and reject) a flying effect. This is a worthy edition to the
collection of fans of horror films, silent films, and film in general. --Ali
Davis
Product Description
Grave robbing, torture, possessed nuns, and a satanic Sabbath: Benjamin
Christensen's legendary film uses a series of dramatic vignettes to explore the
scientific hypothesis that the witches of the middle ages suffered the same
hysteria as turn-of-the-century psychiatric patients. But the film itself is
far from serious-instead it's a witches' brew of the scary, gross, and darkly
humorous. The Criterion Collection is proud to present two versions of this
genre-defying "documentary," for the first time ever on DVD.
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I've always enjoyed
B&W movies, but was never much into silent films until a couple of years
ago. Some of them are really amazing in terms of plot & sexuality. The
Silent Era was fortunately before the censorship of the late 30's that dictated
things like bra size & how close actors could be with each other when doing
a kissing (and no French, please!) The TMC channel recently hosted a night of
silents that featured "Gay Actors." It was a scream. I don't know how
many people out there in Cyperland remember Zazu Pitts (perfect name!), but her
silent shorts (as in film length, not leg wear) are really funny and perfectly
performed. Anyway, I had seen little snippets of Häxan used to illustrate
documentaries, but only ten seconds or so--and while doing my own research on
witchcraft (doesn't everybody?), decided it was time to take a longer look.
At first the introductory segment is reminiscent of phys-ed "just say no
to unmarried sex" films. However, in Häxan the format is a deliberate
& sophisticated setting up of what follows. I say sophisticated because the
movie works with the subject on different levels and dimensions. Sometimes you
can't even believe what you are seeing!
The ways the film weaves various themes reminded me of "Intolerance"
by (racist) American director D.W. Griffith; but I think Häxan presents an even
more fully integrated multileveled storyline. Another interesting feature is
the use of sepia (reddish brown) tinting, to give an even more documentary and
realistic effect. The added background music fits perfectly; often an effective
counterpoint to the action.
The acting too is very believable, very realistic for the time. In fact, it
would be considered superlative even today. Religious and social prejudices are
broadly & authentically lampooned in images so realistic that sometimes
watching the movie is like looking through a peek hole in time.
Anyone interested in film or the history or occultism/horror must see Häxan.
Rosemary's
Baby
Reefer
Madness [Remastered] 1936
Nosferatu
/ Vampyr [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Australia ]
IntoleranceThe
Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies
Review: JEFarrow
Updated 12/07