Review of Häxan (1922) by Gaz U — 06 Apr 2008

Probably the most shocking horror film of the silent era, Danish director Benjamin Christensenâ??s Häxan often goes ignored and overlooked. However, Häxan is easily one of the most daring and unique horror films made during the early part of the century, and while it is unconventional in the way it is presented, it is a must see for horror buffs and film scholars.

Part documentary, part historical melodrama and part shock theatre, Christensen takes a look at the history of witchcraft through a series of vignettes, with focus going on the witch trials of the middle ages.

Focusing on a number of different connected stories, Christensen looks at a chamber maid trying to seduce a friar, an old witchâ??s description of a satanic orgy, clergy witch hunters manipulating an innocnet maiden into confessing she is a witch and Satanâ??s penetration of a convent.

Shocking imagery including bondage, torture, nudity, boiling babies, demons seducing women, demonstrations of medieval torture devices and a scene where women literally kiss Satanâ??s ass are still as shocking today as they were in 1922.

However, Häxan is more then just early shock cinema. Christensenâ??s research is very well done, and he gives an interesting lesson on the history of European witchcraft, with much of his story based firmly in reality.

In fact, during Häxanâ??s premier, Christensen provided a bibliography for the audience of the sources for his facts. Furthermore, the film was a special effect triumphant at the time it came out for itâ??s early use of superimposing to film a sea of witches flying over rooftops on broomsticks and demons and ghostly apparitions fading in and out of scenes, Häxan also has amazing costumes and make up, with convincing and scary demons, and a wonderful four legged skeletal creature that is seen walking through the Satanic orgy.

Christensen himself plays the role of Satan, and in one scene is even seen in the role of Jesus Christ! Oddly enough, Häxan was reedited in 1967 from 108 minutes to 76 minutes by Anthony Balch and distributed with the title Witchcraft Through the Ages, and added a film score by jazz drummer Daniel Humar and narration by William S Burroughs.

While Witchcraft Through the Ages is watchable, and fairly interesting itself, it is a pale substitution to Christensenâ??s original vision to this strange and dark landmark in horror.