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-Francois Truffaut
Reviews
Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)
Classic horror
F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu is as classic silent horror film as you can find. Filmed in 1922, this movie is clearly ahead of its time. The story is based on the well known "Dracula" tale by Bram Stoker, but only the names have been changed.
Drawing from Henrik Galeen's very good adaptation F.W. Murnau directs this movie with excellent touch. Murnau uses images and shadows effectively and creates atmospheric world with great concentration on even the finest details. The production design, art direction and make-up in this movie is something rarely seen in early silent cinema.
The acting in the movie is average with one exception, that exception is Max Schreck. Schreck plays his role as Graf Orlok with great intensity, he manages to create - without any lines or spoken word - a powerful character and a true cinema icon. One of the best things about Schrecks performance is the fact that he doesn't overplay his role like many actors did in this era. Gustav von Wangenheim and Greta Schröder offer quite decent, yet overplayed roles in the leading parts. The fact that the leading parts are overplayed doesn't affect the movie in any way tough, and it actually fits well to the films tone. Alexander Granach does well in his supporting role as Knock, even if he tends to overplay his part. Nevertheless he still succeeds at making a memorable character.
Nosferatu is a true cinema gem that everyone even remotely interested in films should check out sometime. It's an atmospheric and excellently done film which should please true film buffs. It is great film to get started with if you're interested in watching European silent cinema. This film truly stands as a proof why F.W. Murnau was one of the silent eras best directors.
Le faux magistrat (1914)
The Final episode of Fantomas.
"Le Faux Magistrat" is the final episode of Louis Feuillade's crime serial Fantomas. It is pretty nice ending to a brilliant series although I hoped for more dramatic episode, but still the ending has a very dramatic twist. The Episode starts really well with the jewelery crime and Fantomas escape from prison. Also nice thing about this episode is that it concentrates more on the character of Fantomas than the previous episodes that have focused more on inspector Juve and his journalist associate Fandor.
Fantomas is excellent series by Louis Feuillade that has not gotten the attention that it should deserve. It is exceptionally well made for pre-1920s serial. Recommended for all film buffs, especially those of particular interest for french silent cinema.
Juve contre Fantômas (1913)
Second part of Fantomas.
This film is the second part of Louis Feuillade's brilliant 'Fantomas' series. Although I liked the first part better this is also very good film. It is remarkably well done for 1913; the special effects are convincing (for example the train crash) and there is plenty of action and good characters.
This film will thrill you for the whole hour and leave you wondering after the fabulous cliffhanger ending. Quite amazing for a film over 90 years old. I recommend this film for film students (who should see the whole series, mind you) and especially for those interested in Pre 1920s french cinema.