Faust(1926)Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage(original title).God and Satan war over earth; to settle things, they wager on the soul of Faust, a learned and prayerful alchemist. During a plague, Faust despairs and burns his books after failing to stop death; Satan sends Mephisto to tempt Faust, first with insight into treating the plague and then with a day's return to youth. Mephisto is clever, timing the end of this 24 hours as Faust embraces the beautiful Duchess of Parma. Faust trades his soul for youth. Some time later, he's bored, and demands on Easter Sunday that Mephisto take him home. Faust promptly sees and falls in love with the beautiful Gretchen, whose liaison with him brings her dishonor. Is there redemption? Who wins the wager? Written by<jhailey@hotmail.com>... Synopsis Faust(1926)Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage(original title)
Movie Title: Faust(1926)Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage(original title)
Run Time: 116 min
Rating: 7.9 / 10
Genres: Drama |Fantasy |Horror
Release Date: 6 December 1926 (USA)
Director: F.W. Murnau
Writer: Johann Wolfgang Goethe (play),Gerhart Hauptmann (titles), more credit ... and other credits
Actor: Gösta Ekman,Emil Jannings,Camilla Horn
I was so intrigued with this film. Taking the classic story of the man who sells his soul (initially to benefit humanity). Playing with shadows and religious symbols. Using Emile Jannings "Mephisto" as a three dimensional character, even comedic at times. I think what I like the most was how the middle ages, with the day to day cruelty of pestilence and want, unfolded. Murnau also did some sensational visuals--the apocalyptic visions, the spectre of Satan enshrouding the city, bringing the plague. The character of Faust and his failure to gain love--even though he bargained it away--is very poignant. Faust wants youth but has made a pact. If there is a shortcoming, Faust's debauchery is almost entirely off screen and Mephisto performs all the visible cruelty. The reclamation of the soul needs a little more to pair against. Of course, in many of the Faust presentations, he pays the ultimate price and is not able to repent.
