Favorite Horror Movies (1895-1929)

One of the most atmospheric, visually stunning silent horror films I've ever seen (rivaled only by Haxan). The movie takes some liberties with the tale (not that I really care...) but it absolutely nails the gloomy, nightmarish Gothic tone of a Poe story. Unlike many other silent genre films, the camerawork is outstanding and inventive. The look is one of inky black as opposed to washed out grey. There are very few point-and-shoot medium shot set-ups. Instead we get lots of pans, close-ups, wide shots and creative camera angles throughout. The actor who plays Roderick Usher is outstanding, the crumbling castle setting is eerie as can be, the sets are striking and there are plenty of abstract, surrealistic touches. Any fan of Gothic horror or Poe must see this!

Interesting and well made German silent version of Maurice Renard's novel "Les Mains d'Orlac" from the same folks behind the expressionist classic THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI. Conrad Veidt gives an outstanding, creepy and memorable dramatic performance as the tormented Orlac, a famous pianist whose hands are replaced by those of an executed thief and murderer after a train accident. He soon begins to think he's not only received a maniac's hands, but also his desire to commit crimes. The cavernous and sparsely decorated interiors as well as the typically exaggerated performances often give this the feel of a theatrical production, and the movie is a little overlong (nearly 2 hours) and slow-going but worthwhile for Veidt's amazing performance, some nice visuals and a surprise twist ending. The same tale would later be the basis for 1935's MAD LOVE (starring Peter Lorre) and 1960's THE HANDS OF ORLAC (starring Mel Ferrer and also with Christopher Lee and Donald Pleasence).