Review of The Phantom Carriage (1921) by Orlok W — 29 Jan 2014

Technically brilliant and filmed remarkably well, it's shocking that this was made in 1921. 90 year later the transfer to Blu-ray by Criterion is amazing and really adds amazing detail and clarity never before seen in previous releases.

The film itself is a wonderful age old tale of morality and turning one's life around before it is too late. What a beautiful and inspiring piece of cinema. The use of double exposure and the wonderful atmosphere really enhance the moodiness of the film.

Not just a horror film, but one that tells the morality of man, what is right and wrong and that life is short and will end for everyone are all potent topics in The Phantom Carriage. No wonder it inspired Bergman to become a film director, as he watched it dozens of times! Victor Sjöstrom gives a solid performance as he both directs and stars in the film and indeed you get a true feeling of his regret of a life poorly lived and how it affected all those around him.

It's up to him whether he can use his fleeting spiritually time to bring him salvation, but it means sacrificing a lot. Highly Recommended!