Hollywood Gothique

Benjamin Christensen as the Devil

Just a friendly reminder that you make the effort to see writer-director Benjamin Christensen’s astounding 1922 silent docu-drama when it screens at the New Beverly, on a double bill with with Carl Theodore Dryer’s DAY OF WRATH. Both are highly regarded films, but somehow Crhistensen’s has not quite achieved the status of an established classic; especially among horror fans, it is not as well known as NOSFERATU or THE GOLEM, even though it is arguable superior to both. Although essentially a documentary, HAXAN mixes in extensive dramatizations as elaborately staged as any fiction film of the era, and although Christensen’s intent is clearly to inform and educate, it is clear that at times he is simply enjoying the opportunity to dabble in devilry for artistic sake, offering images of witchcraft and demons as startling as any straight-out horror film. Highly recommended.

Location: New Beverly Cinema - 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 938-4038
Link out: Click here
Dates: September 11 & 12