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Shot in the UFA studios with a big movie star in the lead and all the special effects and production design resources any blockbuster of its time could wish for, FW Murnau's 1926 Faust represents a step up from his better-known Nosferatu. Oddly, Faust is a less familiar film than the vampire quickie and this release affords fans a chance to see what Murnau can do with an equally major fantasy story. Adapted neither from Marlowe's play Dr Faustus nor Goethe's verse drama, the script scrambles various elements of the legend and presents a Faust (Gosta Ekman) driven to summon the Devil by despair as a plague rages through the town, desperate to gain enough learning to help his neighbours. When this deal doesn't quite work out, because he is stoned by townsfolk who notice his sudden fear of the cross, Mephisto (Emil Jannings) offers Faust instead renewed youth and an opportunity to seduce a famously beautiful Italian noblewoman and then to return to his home village and get involved with the pure Gretchen (Camilla Horn). Like most versions of the story, it's episodic and some sections are stronger than others: the great stuff comes in the plague and initial deal sequences, though it picks up again for the tragic climax as Gretchen becomes the central figure and suffers horribly, freezing in the snows and burning at the stake. Jannings' devil, a gruesomely humorous slice of ham, is one of the great silent monster performances, reducing everyone else to a stick figure, and Murnau faces the challenge of topping his Nosferatu imagery by deploying a battalion of effects techniques to depict the many magical journeys, sudden appearances and transformations.
On the DVD: Often seen in ragged, incomplete prints projected at the wrong speed, this is a decently restored version, running a full 115 minutes with a complete orchestral score. The original materials show some of the damage to be expected in a film of its vintage, but the transfer is excellent, displaying the imaginative art direction and camerawork to superb advantage. Aside from a nicely eerie menu, the sole extra is a full-length commentary originating in Australia: written by historian Peter Spooner but read by narrator Russell Cawthorne (who mispronounces the odd name). This provides an interesting wealth of background detail, such as Murnau's attempt to cast Hollywood's Lillian Gish as Gretchen, and delivers a balanced assessment of the film itself. --Kim Newman
Product Description
Murnau's last German film features astonishing photography, magnificent art direction, and special effects which retain the power to amaze. Freed from the constraints of psychological narrative, Murnau's mastery of cinematic technique places Faust at the pinnacle of the silent era, its barrage of visceral and apocryphal imagery contrasting with the simplicity and directness of its spiritual theme.
In collaboration with the screenwriter Hans Kyser, Murnau fused Faust's script from German folk legend and the works of Goethe, Gounod, and Marlowe (particularly using the latter's tone). Faust's tale is a classic one of a man who sells his soul to the devil. In an attempt to gain control of the Earth, Mephisto (Emil Jannings) wagers an angel (Werner Fuetterer) that he can corrupt the soul of the elderly professor Faust (Gosta Ekman). As the Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride demonically through the sky, Mephisto towers over Faust's hometown unleashing a plague that spreads amongst its inhabitants. Faust, unable to find a cure for the citizens who are dropping dead around him, renounces both God and science invoking the aid of Satan through a mysterious book that he chances across.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
For many years F.W. Murnau's FAUST was known to me only through a few stills and a poster. About 15 years ago I came across a public domain video copy which had poor picture quality and Vivaldi's FOUR SEASONS as its soundtrack. Even with these handicaps I could tell that it was something very special and I longed for the day when I might see a better print of the film. A few years ago Kino International released a high quality DVD of FAUST with a newly commissioned score and I was ecstatic as I could now see the film close to the way it must have looked in 1926. Now Eureka has come out with this double DVD set which allows us for the first time to see the film the way Murnau intended. The Kino edition was based on the export version which differs in a number of ways from the original domestic version made available here. The biggest difference is in the way a number of scenes are treated. They are more expanded in the original and have a sharper picture quality than the export version. The ending of Faust and Gretchen ascending to Heaven is missing which seems rather strange as that is key to the film's theme of redemption through forgiveness. Thanks to this set you can view both versions and see the differences for yourself.
The performances especially by Emil Jannings as Mephistopheles and Camilla Horn as Gretchen are remarkable and the various special effects used are outstanding for the time and still have the power to astonish. As I said in an earlier review most silent film buffs think PANDORA'S BOX with Louise Brooks to be the apex of German silent cinema and maybe it is but I cast my vote for FAUST. Murnau was a true cinematic poet, a German Cocteau if you will, and all of his considerable skill as a cinematic storyteller went into the making of this film.... Read more ›
The performances especially by Emil Jannings as Mephistopheles and Camilla Horn as Gretchen are remarkable and the various special effects used are outstanding for the time and still have the power to astonish. As I said in an earlier review most silent film buffs think PANDORA'S BOX with Louise Brooks to be the apex of German silent cinema and maybe it is but I cast my vote for FAUST. Murnau was a true cinematic poet, a German Cocteau if you will, and all of his considerable skill as a cinematic storyteller went into the making of this film.... Read more ›
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Most people know the director F. W. Murnau for the silent vampire film Nosferatu but few explore his other works. This is a great shame because in many ways Faust is at least the equal of the excellent Nosferatu but has been overshadowed into relative obscurity. Fast flowing and dramatic with excellent acting and superb directing this is definitely one of the greatest of all silent horrors.
The story follows that of Goethe's classic two part tragedy - an alchemist turns to the daemon Mephisto(pheles)for the power to help people. The daemon lures Faust into sin with the promise of eternal youth but true love wins out in the end and Faust ascends to heaven.
Murnau uses his skill as a director to ensure that the audience is enthralled by the storyline and that the characters are multifaceted and complex. He does this without confusing the viewer and with great subtlety, something has which earnt him much respect over time.
The special effects on this film must have been truly groundbreaking for its day. The way that Faust flies over the world on Mephisto's cloak is especially well carried off. In another great scene the giant Mephisto draws his evil wings around the town as if to block out the light of heaven.
All in all I would say that this is one of the best films I have ever seen and I feel that it only grows better with repeated watchings. The only real problem with the film is that it is exceedingly moral and a could be seen as a bit "preachy", this may put off non-christian viewers. However, to those who have read the Faust books it is clear that this is because this is essential to the understanding of the god-fearing minds of the characters.... Read more ›
The story follows that of Goethe's classic two part tragedy - an alchemist turns to the daemon Mephisto(pheles)for the power to help people. The daemon lures Faust into sin with the promise of eternal youth but true love wins out in the end and Faust ascends to heaven.
Murnau uses his skill as a director to ensure that the audience is enthralled by the storyline and that the characters are multifaceted and complex. He does this without confusing the viewer and with great subtlety, something has which earnt him much respect over time.
The special effects on this film must have been truly groundbreaking for its day. The way that Faust flies over the world on Mephisto's cloak is especially well carried off. In another great scene the giant Mephisto draws his evil wings around the town as if to block out the light of heaven.
All in all I would say that this is one of the best films I have ever seen and I feel that it only grows better with repeated watchings. The only real problem with the film is that it is exceedingly moral and a could be seen as a bit "preachy", this may put off non-christian viewers. However, to those who have read the Faust books it is clear that this is because this is essential to the understanding of the god-fearing minds of the characters.... Read more ›
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Yes, this is a great film, and yes this release of the domestic version is enormously welcome, but who was it that adapted the Timothy Brock music score to fit the domestic version? It was clearly written to fit the export version, and watching the domestic version on disc one is in many places the equivalent of watching the very worst lip-synching. That is because, unfortunately, Brock's score follows the action closely. Watch the export version and listen to the dramatic timpani strokes at the death of Valentin (Gretchen's brother). Now watch the domestic version and listen to the feeble, inappropriate, anempathetic music. Or, try watching Gretchen in her death cell as she suddenly believes her baby is alive and she is able to rock it gently in her arms. Brilliant in the export version, but completely out of rhythm with the music in the domestic version. How on earth could anyone mess up like this, given the care taken in restoring this film? I have to say the problems do not lie everywhere, but they happen too often, and detract from the wonders of this recently discovered domestic version of this film. Without a doubt this version is in sharper focus, more tightly edited, and a better film that the export version, but somebody with a donkey's ears has soured its effect. As a consequence, it is the export version on these discs that will prove the more emotional experience for anyone with musical sesitivity. So, if you want to enjoy the domestic version you'll either need to opt for the piercingly irritating harp score that is offered as an alternative, or shut off the sound completely.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
the ultimate fantasy film
Murnau's Faust stands alongside his other works from the twenties and takes us on the greatest flights of fantasy, perhaps, as befits the subject. Read more
Published 16 days ago by schumann_bg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top service, fine film
Arrived on time and at a fair price... Murnau no auteur, but a fine film maker, and parts of Faust are excellent; none of it bad.
Published 1 month ago by Rufus Yells
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic film.
Bought this as a gift for my father,as he loves the old Nosferato silent film.He also has a passion for photography and music so am sure he'll love it.
Published 3 months ago by DEBS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unmistakably Murnau
"Faust" is one of the great films from the silent era and F.W. Murnau's last "German" film, before he moved to the USA. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Basileus
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOE IS ME !!!
FLOGGED IT ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO WHEN DESPERATE FOR CASH AND NOW I WANT IT BACK ITS 5 TIMES THE PRICE !!! WATCHABLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN
Published 16 months ago by casio smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faust by Murnau. Restored by Luciano Berriatua.
This edition is excellent, although the excellent music by Tim Brock (which was composed for the Export version in 1996, more longer in lenght) does not sync well in the domestic... Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2011 by Victor Diaz Murillo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Master Class on lighting techniques
Well, the Faust legend never looked so good. Above all, this film is a master class about lighting techniques. Read more
Published on 11 Dec 2010 by paco
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faust, Masters of Cinema # 24 - Spellbinding silent masterpiece from...
Some years ago a good friend introduced me to Nosferatu, which I thoroughly enjoyed and consider to be a cinematic masterpiece. Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2010 by Victor
5.0 out of 5 stars
a universal masterpiece
Most important for a lover of myths such as the universal Faust; also to be considered for lovers and students of the art of direction in modern cinema, Murnau being one of the... Read more
Published on 7 Jan 2010 by PROF YVETTE MOREIRA
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read the other reviews then buy this for the 'alternative' harp score...
There are already sufficient lengthy, knowledgeable reviews of this film on Amazon so I thought I would just put in a good word for one of the special features on this dvd: the... Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2009 by Jack the Bear
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