Year: 1926
Director: F.W Murnau
Country: Germany
Language: N/A
Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus, published in 1604, is a tragic play that is said to be based on Johann Georg Faust, a magician of the German Renaissance who became subject of folk legend decades after his death. Due to the myths surrounding his life, it is hard to determine historical facts about his life, in-fact for a few centuries historians pondered if he existed at all. As Cinema swept the landscape in the 20th Century great artists would make films about this figure. One artist would be F.W Murnau of Nosferatu fame.
In this, the demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) wagers with God that he can corrupt a mortal man's (Gosta Ekman) soul.
Due to the enormous success of The Last Laugh, German silent-film master F.W. Murnau was handed two prestige projects for UFA studios; Tartuffe & Faust. Both films were staggering experiences; Faust in particular because of its visuals. The opening itself is extraordinary, as we see the massive, glowing-eyed devil facing off against the towering archangel. Much of the picture's practical effects are draw-dropping, making its audience wonder just how a technical master like Murnau pulled many of the shots off.
The German Expressionistic sets are remarkable, evoking a fantastical feeling of fantasy that I dare say is unmatched in silent cinema. Although with all the good Murnau does with the picture, I must admit it is one of his most uneven endeavors. The acting, pacing, mood and tone alters as soon as Gretchen (Camilla Horn), Faust's love interest enters the picture. The courting scenes are miserably slow, and yet even though we spend a considerable amount of time with the couple, the "love conquers all" ending feels very unearned.
There is a lot about this film to love; particularly Emil Janning's scene chewing performance as Mephisto. There is a lot about this film to dismiss as well, as I thought it dragged at parts even with its 1hr 25min run-time. Ultimately it is a good, but flawed picture, that is worth watching at least once.
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