Faust

Synopsis

Mephisto bets an Archangel he can corrupt the righteous alchemist Faust, who surrenders his soul in exchange for youth and power to cure a plague. F.W. Murnau’s final German film is a visual symphony of light and shadow, utilizing groundbreaking special effects to depict the cosmic battle between good and evil. From the terrifying giant demon looming over the town to the tragic romance with Gretchen, it remains the zenith of UFA studio filmmaking.

Critique

F.W. Murnau’s Faust is the zenith of German Expressionist craftsmanship. It treats the screen like a moving canvas, utilizing intricate miniatures and revolutionary lighting to depict the battle between light and darkness. The image of Mephisto’s cloak enveloping the town is iconic. It showcased the full technical might of the UFA studio, creating a complete, fantastical world entirely indoors. Visually overwhelming and operatic, it influenced Fantasia and the entire fantasy genre, serving as a breathtaking farewell to the silent era’s ability to conjure magic.

Technical sheet

Director

F. W. Murnau

Original title

Faust - Eine deutsche Volkssage

Year

1926

Country

Germany

Running time

116 min

Genre

Fantasy, Drama, Horror

Written by

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hans Kyser, Christopher Marlowe

Cinematography

Carl Hoffmann

Cast

Gösta Ekman, Emil Jannings, Camilla Horn, Frida Richard, William Dieterle, Werner Fuetterer

Production

UFA, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Music

Newly composed original score

Licensing