The legendary play by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is adapted by visionary director F.W. Murnau ("Nosferatu") in this remarkable silent, shot through with potent, brooding atmosphere. The story deals with an aged alchemist named Faust (Gosta Ekman) who is losing his faith while God and Satan battle for control of the Earth, and a plague is decimating mankind. Faust makes a deal with a demon named Mephisto (Emil Jannings), one of Satans' emissaries, which will grant him the power to heal. But Faust decides that he also wants his youth back, and the ability to romantically pursue a lovely young woman named Gretchen (Camilla Horn). Mephisto throws a monkey wrench into the plan by interfering, and making sure that things may not end happily for anyone.
While weighed down by the romantic portion of the plot, which ultimately drags too much, "Faust" '26 is marked by a wonderful look and feel. It starts out as beautifully bleak and ominous, with very effective cinematography by Carl Hoffmann. The imagery and visual effects are quite impressive for a film over 90 years old, and the now ages-old device of a character selling their soul to the Devil ensures thematic elements such as human vanity and frailties, and the idea of "being careful what one wishes for". Although the film ceases to be quite as interesting while Faust is aggressively courting Gretchen, it does get back on track for a truly haunting and despairing final half hour, when it becomes necessary for Faust to atone for his big mistake.
The performances are fairly typical for the silent era in that they are highly theatrical, but there's no denying that Jannings is a superb villain. Allowed to play some of his scenes for comedy, he towers over everybody else here with a memorable portrayal of seductive charisma as well as initial creepiness.
The classic theme of Good vs. Evil creates a resonance that has made this tale so powerful for so many decades. If the viewer has previously enjoyed "Nosferatu", they really should check out this film as well.
Seven out of 10.
While weighed down by the romantic portion of the plot, which ultimately drags too much, "Faust" '26 is marked by a wonderful look and feel. It starts out as beautifully bleak and ominous, with very effective cinematography by Carl Hoffmann. The imagery and visual effects are quite impressive for a film over 90 years old, and the now ages-old device of a character selling their soul to the Devil ensures thematic elements such as human vanity and frailties, and the idea of "being careful what one wishes for". Although the film ceases to be quite as interesting while Faust is aggressively courting Gretchen, it does get back on track for a truly haunting and despairing final half hour, when it becomes necessary for Faust to atone for his big mistake.
The performances are fairly typical for the silent era in that they are highly theatrical, but there's no denying that Jannings is a superb villain. Allowed to play some of his scenes for comedy, he towers over everybody else here with a memorable portrayal of seductive charisma as well as initial creepiness.
The classic theme of Good vs. Evil creates a resonance that has made this tale so powerful for so many decades. If the viewer has previously enjoyed "Nosferatu", they really should check out this film as well.
Seven out of 10.