Review of The Vampires or, The Arch Criminals of Paris (1915) by Sofia B — 28 Feb 2009

One of the great masterworks of cinema, this silent French serial consistently entertains and thrills over its seven hour running time. The story primarily consists of newspaper reporter Philippe Guerande (Edouard Mathe) and his friend Mazamette (played brilliantly by Marcel Levesque) investigating a gang of thieves called The Vampires, who hold the bourgeoisie of Paris in their criminal grip.

The film is too influential and important to ignore, simultaneously suspenseful, hilarious, and provocative, and includes dazzling cinematography, mise en scene, flashbacks, stunts, plot twists, and, of course, the iconic Irma Vep (Musidora).

It's especially interesting to revisit now given the predominance and popularity of television serials as well as how it represents the mindset and paranoia of a "war on terror." A stunning and captivating piece of cinema.