haxan (1922)
Haxan blends documentary and fiction segments together into four sections, each examining historic treatment of demonic subject matter during medieval and middle ages. Based loosely on the text, Malleus Maleficarum (1489), about the prosecution of witches, the film begins with a documentary narrative followed by vignettes of dramatic reenactments that show how the dark arts were perceived, (mis)understood and feared. The final part of the film suggests that those victims accused of witchcraft and demonic possession were most likely mentally ill. However, the film makes a commentary about the current views of mental illness and how contemporary devices to cure such possessions, may be just as bad as exercised by their ancestors.
With a production budget of 2 million kronor, Haxan, became Scandanavia's most expensive silent film ever produced. It was met with controversy after its release for the film's depiction of graphic violence, nudity, torture, sexual perversion, and anti-clerical subject matter. The film has been heralded for its gloomy atmosphere achieved through the use of lighting effects, shadows and impressive make-up design. The film's most recent release came from Criterion in 2001 which features both the original Haxan (107 minutes) and the shorter 1968 American re-release Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (77 minutes).
Director: Benjamin Christensen
Writer: Benjamin Christensen
Cast: Maren Pedersen, Clara Pontoppidan, Benjamin Christensen
Running Time: 107 minutes
Year: 1922
Studio: Svensk Filmindustri
With a production budget of 2 million kronor, Haxan, became Scandanavia's most expensive silent film ever produced. It was met with controversy after its release for the film's depiction of graphic violence, nudity, torture, sexual perversion, and anti-clerical subject matter. The film has been heralded for its gloomy atmosphere achieved through the use of lighting effects, shadows and impressive make-up design. The film's most recent release came from Criterion in 2001 which features both the original Haxan (107 minutes) and the shorter 1968 American re-release Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (77 minutes).
Director: Benjamin Christensen
Writer: Benjamin Christensen
Cast: Maren Pedersen, Clara Pontoppidan, Benjamin Christensen
Running Time: 107 minutes
Year: 1922
Studio: Svensk Filmindustri