Häxan (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Häxan is a 1922 Swiss silent film whose title means “Witch”. It’s part documentary and part dramatic recreation of tales of witchcraft, the demonic and the inquisition that arose from the fear of such, around the Middle Ages. Told in seven segments, it starts out with some facts about early claims of witches, devils and demons and then delves into recreations of some tales of witchcraft and Satanism and then the fear-filled and cruel reaction from the clergy of the time. The documentary then tries, in it’s last part, to give modern…modern at the time, as this film is now almost 100 years old…explanations for what is perceived as the signs of witchcraft, such as psychological and physical ailments.The film is directed by Benjamin Christensen from his own script. Häxan covers a lot of folklore tales about witches cavorting with The Devil and his minions, demonic seduction and corruption and in doing so, provides some very startling and spooky imagery. The representations of witches flying through the air on brooms, being seduced by demons and even giving birth to monsters, is quite bold for a film of this era and quite well rendered for a film almost a century old. Some of what we see is quite brazen, such as demons frantically churning butter while watching the sexual acts between witch and devil. Their swift up and down arm movements obviously simulating…well, you get the idea. The scenes of torture and interrogation are quite effective, as well and one feels sorry for those under the clergy’s scrutiny or accused of evil acts. The film is loaded with atmosphere and some extremely Gothic imagery, one of the first films of it’s kind to represent such subject matter so graphically. Christensen’s visual eye is quite stunning and filled with Halloween-esque images, especially when portraying the scenes of the witches partying with the demonic in the woods. There are a variety of demonic creatures, uniquely designed and rendered and involved in acts that must have been considered quite daring for the early 1920s…and it was daring as the film was banned here in the United States at the time.This is a pioneer horror film that was one of the first to portray witchcraft and satanic activity in such detail. Benjamin Christensen gives a history of suspected witchcraft and then treats us to some wildly vivid representation of the tales and folklore that terrified the middle ages. We get stunning visuals of nude maidens sleepwalking into the arms of their demonic seducers, witches flying on their trademarked brooms and even a tongue flickering Satan himself (Christensen) corrupting nuns in their own convent. It’s a stunning achievement and at almost a century old, a work that hasn’t lost any of it’s potency and a film every true horror fan should see.-MonsterZero NJ

Fantastic restoration. A good part of history in this film. Educational.

I came to this movie by way of Astrid Holm a main character in another excelent Criterion movie The Phantom Carriage. I wasn't sure what to expect in Haxan but I was nicely surprised. It's not exactly a movie-movie per sae, more like what you'd expect to see on the History Channel, part documentary, part historical reenactment, part cautionary tale all wrapped up in a film. And it all works perfectly in Häxan as it explores the subject of witch craft, religious beliefs, and social reasoning. It's like what a modern day study on the Salem witch trials might be, including a look at how women were victimized first, by ignorance and religious dogma, second by psychology and superstition. Häxan gives one plenty to think over and many parallels to analyze. It's intelligent, the acting is superb, and with any silent movie, when you forget there's no dialog and don't even miss it, that's how you know it's good.

This is a fascinating film, beautifully restored. The visuals are deeply affecting and often wonderfully creative. But the music...is reconstructed from a list of well-known pieces by important classical composers, in a way that was likely meaningful to audiences 100 years ago. To this classical music lover they were simply excruciating and seriously undermined the visual content. They feel syrupy, sentimental, and since the orchestration is very small-scale, slight and amateurish, almost like somebody humming random tunes from one of those "Only Classical Record You'll Ever Need" compilations. It might be possible to encounter this as a trip back to 1922, and it may have some integrity in that sense. But to a viewer trying to make sense of these images today, the music is a serious impediment. It all becomes a sort of sad Hallowe'en joke. It may be unrealistic to hope that new music better suited to the film might be composed, but that would be a huge improvement. Sadly, I don't think I will be able to watch this again. Maybe with the sound turned off.

Highly satisfactory. My generation is so into CGI... this is a very good black and white silent film.If you liked Metropolis, this might be a bit different, but give it a try.

I loved this movie. The imagery and camera work was amazing. It can be a bit repetitive and if you're into esoteric knowledge and the occult then there is no new information here. Try to put yourself into the time the film was made and clear your mind, this makes the experience more enjoyable because you can truly be "shocked" as the director intended. Slut

Silent film documentary about witchcraft, with excellent dramatizations! The visual effects are ahead of their time(1920's), very impressive. I wont like, I laughed out loud a couple of times at the demons and devils, which made this film even better. Watch it, you wont regret it.

A film that uses so many techniques, including stop motion, to present a documentary view on witchcraft. Its age makes it even more distubing today. Audiences of the day must have been completely terrified. If you a interested in film history this is a much watch.

Una magnífica remasterización a 2K un trabajo impecable por parte de The Criterion Collection aunque ésta edición no es digipack (hace tiempo compré A Hard Day's Night y si es digipack) está muy bien cuidada la presentación...

It's a great film depicting witch's and witch craft of the time.Though some parts aren't completely accurate, it still has a creepy vibe to it and is well done.

Sensacional aula de história e cinema. Efeitos especiais primordiais e narrativa bastante envolvente. Valeu a compra.

É impressionante que esse filme foi feito em1920 e é bem realista e preciso.

Blu ray skipped over about 45 seconds in the third act. Wasn't impressed, for being a criterion disc.