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 | misogyny | witch | middle ages | devil | 

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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

"Haxan Films," the creators of the movie "The Blair Witch Project (1999)" took their name from this movie.

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Goofs

The kleptomaniac and the jeweler enter through a door on the right-hand side of the room. In the next shot, they are standing on the left side on the room, and the objects on the shelf behind them have changed position. The shot in which they enter is flipped (look closely at the buttons on the actors' clothes).

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Quotes

Lovelorn Woman: Karna, can you perchance get me a love potion that has power over a pious man of the church?
Karna - the Witch: Here, young maiden, take a potion of cat feces and dove hearts, boiled during the full moon. A drop of this in a man's drink will soften his heart at once.
Lovelorn Woman: Karna, can i have an even stronger potion?
Karna - the Witch: If the maiden wishes to drive the man out of his wits for love... I have a potion boiled in May from a young and playful male sparrow. Hold your coins, maiden! First smell my ointment! This ointment is good, ...

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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

Reissued in 1968 with a jazz score featuring Jean-Luc Ponty and narration by author William S. Burroughs.

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Connections

Featured in Monster Vision: A History and Analysis of Horror Cinema (2016)

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