Häxan (1922)

Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.

Director:

Benjamin Christensen

Writer:

Benjamin Christensen

Stars:

Benjamin Christensen, Elisabeth Christensen, Maren Pedersen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Maren Pedersen	...	Heksen / The Witch
Clara Pontoppidan	...	Nonne / Nun
Elith Pio	...	Heksedommer / Witch Judge (The Young Monk)
Oscar Stribolt	...	Graabroder / Doctor (The Fat Monk)
Tora Teje	...	En hysterisk kvinde / Modern Hysteric (The Kelptomaniac)
John Andersen	...	Chief Inquisitor (as Johs Andersen)
Benjamin Christensen	...	Djævlen / The Devil
Poul Reumert	...	Juveler / Jeweler
Karen Winther	...	Anna's Sister
Kate Fabian	...	Gammel jomfru / Old Maid
Else Vermehren	...	Nonne / Nun
Astrid Holm	...	Anna
Johannes Andersen	...	Heksedommer / Witch Judge
Gerda Madsen	...	Nonne / Nun
Aage Hertel	...	Heksedommer / Witch Judge

Storyline

Part history lesson followed by re-enactments with actors, this film depicts the history of witchcraft from its earliest days through to the present day (in this case,1922 or thereabouts). The result is a documentary-like film that must be among the first to use re-enactments as a visual and narrative tool. From pagan worship to satanic rites to hysteria, the film takes you on a journey through the ages with highly effective visual sequences.

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Plot Keywords:

witchcraft | witch | middle ages | devil | torture | 

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Taglines:

Benjamin Christensens stora film.

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Genres:

Documentary | Fantasy | History | Horror

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

In addition to playing the devil, director Benjamin Christensen also has a brief appearance as Christ. He also appears as himself in the very first shot of the film.

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Goofs

The same witches fly past the screen several times. At certain points, the same witch appears on screen twice at the same time.

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Quotes

Chief Inquisitor: Listen, Maria the Weaver, did you also see the devil put his mark on the witches' foreheads?
Marie, the Seamstress: Oh, learned men, I saw the witches kiss the evil one on his behind. And the mother of Anna, the printer's wife, wished me a scalding death - that damned woman, I saw her kissing the evil one so tenderly...

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Crazy Credits

Director Benjamin Christensen personally thanks his cinematographer and art director through the opening titles.

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Alternate Versions

Witchcraft Through the Ages (1968), the 76-minute version of Häxan, narrated by William S. Burroughs, with a soundtrack featuring Jean-Luc Ponty

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Connections

Featured in Primordial (2015)

User Reviews

Fascinating

This film gives us a thoughtful look at the horrifying potential of fear, ignorance and superstition. I have to say I admire the courage Benjamin Christensen showed in making this film which not only must have offended the sensibilities of the time for the obvious reasons but also because it dared to champion reason over superstition as a way of explaining things which we do not fully understand. This film resonates with its message that those who judged others unjust may not have been just themselves.

Details

Country:

Sweden Denmark

Language:

Swedish Danish

Release Date:

27 May 1929 (USA)

Also Known As:

Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages

Filming Locations:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Box Office

Budget:

SEK2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aljosha Production Company, Svensk Filmindustri (SF)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 77 min (1968 re-release) 104 min (DVD) 122 min (original) 81 min (esoteric cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono Silent

Color:

Black and White (Sepiatone)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1