Faust - A German Folk Tale

The classic German tale of Faust, a man who sells his soul to Mephisto, servant to the devil, in exchange for greater knowledge and power, has inspired countless plays, books and films. One of the most remarkable film adaptations is the 1926 silent version by legendary director F.W. Murnau, who four years earlier was responsible for yet another masterpiece of the genre, the perhaps better-known Nosferatu.

Filmed at the pinnacle of the silent era, Murnau’s favoured domestic German version of Faust has now been meticulously reconstructed – making it the definitive version. Collaborating with screenwriter Hans Kyser, Murnau fused the script for his Faust not only from elements of the traditional German folk tale, but also the works of Goethe, Gounod, and in particular Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus.

Set in a small town in medieval Germany, Mephisto (Emil Jannings) challenges an archangel (Werner Fuetterer) to a bet, the wager being that he can corrupt and destroy the righteous soul of a man. If he succeeds, the devil will gain power over the entire earth. In one of the film’s most powerful scenes, a huge image of the devil spreads his monstrous, bat-like wings over a little town and a deadly plague descends upon it. This is juxtaposed by a spooky image of the horse riders of the apocalypse blazing across the sky. The townsfolk, in desperation, seek the help of elderly alchemist Faust (Gösta Ekman), who seems powerless despite his prayers and wisdom. Much disappointed with himself, he hurls his books and bible into the fireplace. Mysteriously, one book opens and reveals a way in which he can attain power and control by making a pact with the devil. When Faust goes to the crossroads and calls upon the devil three times (sceptically), he appears with glowing eyes and, despite Faust’s effort to escape him, wherever he goes waits grinning at him impishly. Reluctantly, Faust makes a 24-hour trial pact with Mephisto, which gives him the power to heal some of the plague-ridden citizens. However, when he attempts to go near someone with a crucifix, much to his own dismay, he finds himself recoiling in horror – he has made a pact with the devil after all! As the townsfolk turn on him for being in allegiance with the dark forces, Mephisto offers him another deal: youth and riches in return for his immortal soul! Now the fun and games begin, albeit not for long…

Faust, romantic that he is, much to the chagrin of Mephisto, falls in love with an innocent and beautiful young girl called Gretchen (Camilla Horn). Mephisto, in order to ‘encourage’ this relationship, gives a golden chain to Faust, intended to arouse Gretchen’s carnal feelings towards him. While she warms towards his advances, Mephisto meanwhile has some impish fun with her quacky old aunt Marthe Schwerdtlein (Yvette Guilbert). This makes for some very comic scenes (Emil Jannings was an actor known for his exaggerated facial expressions). However, comedy soon turns to tragedy when Mephisto gets bored with this slice of seemingly domestic bliss and shows his truly devilish side… But in the end, LOVE conquers all evil!

Despite the film’s title, the real bravura part is that of Mephisto, performed with gloating puckish mischief by the excellent Jannings. The less rewarding part, namely that of the title role, is nevertheless handled with surety by Swedish actor Gösta Ekman. Camilla Horn’s Gretchen hits the right note and displays well the pathos necessary to make this character believable.

For the art lover, a number of Murnau’s scenic set-ups are inspired by famous works by some of the world’s leading artists. From a technical point of view, the film still continues to thrill after all this years. The evocative imagery used throughout the film set new standards for the time and is something not easily forgotten.

SPECIAL FEATURES of this Dual-Format (DVD and Blu-ray) edition contain:

An option of three different scores (orchestral, harp, piano) / Gorgeous 1080p transfer of the domestic German print with original German intertitles and optional English subtitles / Full-length audio commentary by critics David Ehrenstein and Bill Krohn / An interesting docu about Murnau / A 20-minute video piece with critic Tony Rayns discussing the film • 40-page booklet with an essay by Peter Spooner, writing on the film by Éric Rohmer, and rare archival imagery.