Quite a treat to see Jerry Lacy, Lara Parker, and Kathryn Leigh Scott-- all of Dark Shadows--reunited again. But, the characters really don't do much in the film. The artsy blue screen projections detract from a slim plot. Just what did Dr. Mabuse do to warrant his exile? He's a criminal mastermind...just what did he do? My biggest problems with the film include uneven audio levels. I had to jump up once or more to turn the volume down or up on my stereo from scene to scene. Plus, the characters do not pronounce the name "Mabuse" the same by any means. I heard "Maboose" from Lara Parker...and "Muh-buse" from the young police policeman and others. Even in the the special features section on the DVD, the latter actor referred to Lara Parker as "Laura," when my understanding is the pronunciation is "Lara," rhyming with "Sara." So, these problems did detract from my enjoyment of the film. I would like nothing better than to see a Dark Shadows TV or studio film with Parker, Scott, David Selby, etc. on a higher production level. But, kudos to the director and writer--who, as other reviewers said--could do much more on a bigger budget.
17 Reviews
Dreadful!
wmschoell5 June 2017
An absolutely terrible, amateurish, silly take on the old Dr. Mabuse character with virtually no redeeming value. Okay, the blue screen look of the film is occasionally striking, but this is a mess when it comes to a solid script, strong characters, suspense, tension, or any coherent excitement. I felt sorry for the old "Dark Shadows" actors, of which only Kathryn Leigh Scott gives a memorable performance in a laughably under-written role.
I can only imagine that somebody got their relatives or people who worked on the film to write these rave reviews. The new Spielberg? Come on!
I can only imagine that somebody got their relatives or people who worked on the film to write these rave reviews. The new Spielberg? Come on!
What's not to hate
dirkjungquist1 June 2022
Appallingly bad
bwob10 May 2013
I had high hopes for this indie go at a film with the super criminal Norbert Jacques created in 1921 but was horribly disappointed. While I went with a high degree enthusiasm (and never imagined the film to be in the theme of Lang's Mabuse films) and sat through the entire film, I was supremely disappointed in the Ansel Faraj-helmed effort.
The film is unevenly acted, obtusely written and far, far too pretentious. It doesn't work merely as a piece of art, and as entertainment it's a thermonuclear fail many times over.
A second Mabuse film is said to be in pre-production by the same group, a fact that defies belief after seeing this misguided effort.
The film is unevenly acted, obtusely written and far, far too pretentious. It doesn't work merely as a piece of art, and as entertainment it's a thermonuclear fail many times over.
A second Mabuse film is said to be in pre-production by the same group, a fact that defies belief after seeing this misguided effort.
boring
thomas-4084 June 2023
I bought the DVD because it featured several Dark Shadows actors. And it was nice seeing them again -- though I felt sorry for them that they'd been reduced to working in this mess.
This production has an ultra low-budget feel. Shot entirely on stage, indoors, with green screen backgrounds. The scenes are very talky and pointless. I couldn't follow the logic of the plot. Lots of babble, which only serves to pad a dramatically vapid production.
Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott were under-utilized, so there wasn't even the pleasure of seeing them so much. At least Jerry Lacy had a more substantive role.
This production has an ultra low-budget feel. Shot entirely on stage, indoors, with green screen backgrounds. The scenes are very talky and pointless. I couldn't follow the logic of the plot. Lots of babble, which only serves to pad a dramatically vapid production.
Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott were under-utilized, so there wasn't even the pleasure of seeing them so much. At least Jerry Lacy had a more substantive role.
Watching in 2023!
ryanhunterstudios21 October 2023
Due to my love of the original Dark Shadows tv series and it's many actors, I came upon doing a deep dive into filmmaker Ansel Faraj's filmography the last few months.
Faraj having made this film at such a young age is extremely impressive! The mood and actors included are definitely the cherry on top! (DS alumni Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott and the beautiful Lara Parker!)
Going back to an early film like Mabuse was really exciting and rewarding to see what Ansel has been able to do in the years since this release! I highly recommend 2019's "Loon Lake" also starring DS alumni's, like David Selby and Kathryn Leigh Scott (once more!)
Faraj having made this film at such a young age is extremely impressive! The mood and actors included are definitely the cherry on top! (DS alumni Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott and the beautiful Lara Parker!)
Going back to an early film like Mabuse was really exciting and rewarding to see what Ansel has been able to do in the years since this release! I highly recommend 2019's "Loon Lake" also starring DS alumni's, like David Selby and Kathryn Leigh Scott (once more!)
Thumbs Up
tangerinatruffle23 May 2013
This film merged old school acting techniques with new film making! Strong characters, great script and an amazing score are among the best features of this film. Ansel shows that with determination and a strong cast - his ideas can come alive even on a limited budget.
Favorites in the film are Jerry Lacy and the late Linden Chiles with effortless, natural performances by both that only comes from years of experience. Strong supporting roles by David Graham, Julian Grant and John C. Smith.
Slow dialogue exchanges between Nathan Wilson and Bahia Garrigan made for lengthy scenes, I had wished for quicker delivery. Though the two had moments that showcased their talents.
A lot going on in this film both visually and within the plot. The film was easy to follow, script was well written and there were no loop holes for me. Climax scene between Lacy and Wilson was very well done.
I enjoyed the film; that being said I would have enjoyed it more and given it a better rating if the dialogue pace during some of the scene had not been so slow (lengthy).
Thumbs up to Ansel for directing a terrific cast of all ages. He really showed his professionalism with this film. People don't realize he does EVERYTHING on his projects: writes, produces, edits, visual effects, casts, edits again, directs, cameraman, edits again and delivers each film from his soul! 21 years old! Most 21 year old's are in college trying to find a major or are on the beach surfing all morning. Ansel eats, sleeps, drinks and breathes movies. Its in his DNA and in this film it shows. He should be proud.
Favorites in the film are Jerry Lacy and the late Linden Chiles with effortless, natural performances by both that only comes from years of experience. Strong supporting roles by David Graham, Julian Grant and John C. Smith.
Slow dialogue exchanges between Nathan Wilson and Bahia Garrigan made for lengthy scenes, I had wished for quicker delivery. Though the two had moments that showcased their talents.
A lot going on in this film both visually and within the plot. The film was easy to follow, script was well written and there were no loop holes for me. Climax scene between Lacy and Wilson was very well done.
I enjoyed the film; that being said I would have enjoyed it more and given it a better rating if the dialogue pace during some of the scene had not been so slow (lengthy).
Thumbs up to Ansel for directing a terrific cast of all ages. He really showed his professionalism with this film. People don't realize he does EVERYTHING on his projects: writes, produces, edits, visual effects, casts, edits again, directs, cameraman, edits again and delivers each film from his soul! 21 years old! Most 21 year old's are in college trying to find a major or are on the beach surfing all morning. Ansel eats, sleeps, drinks and breathes movies. Its in his DNA and in this film it shows. He should be proud.
Pay attention to the bad reviews
bozopolis17 October 2023
I'd like to give some points for effort here. This was obviously done by someone who is a fan of the character. That being said they missed the entire point of Mabuse. I was lost after the very first scene. Don't know what I expected it's hard to determine what was the worst thing; the acting, the sets, the script, and did I mention the acting? I've been to haunted houses with better performances and more realistic sets. Just as obvious is that most of these reviews were done by cast members or their families. Only a mother could love anything here. Just too amateurish and cheap to deserve even 10 minutes of your time much less over an hour. It had the look of something you'd see in a graphic novel and would probably have been better in that format. Sorry to be so brutal about it but the longer I watched the sillier it got. If the creator of Dr. Mabuse (which they didn't even pronounce correctly) was alive he'd have to stop this from ever seeing the light of day. No wonder this is free to view on YouTube. NOONE would pay to see this on stage or in a theater.
Low Budget? So what? It's terrific!
davidn195630 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
No doubt there will be people who put this film down because of it's ultra-low budget. They would be wrong. Doctor Mabuse's writer/director, Ansel Faraj, is only 21 years old. His cast includes 3 stars of Dark Shadows, one of his (and my)favorite TV shows. The film is a bizarre noir thriller with supernatural overtones. The shoestring budget cannot hide the maturity in the writing, or the strong performances by Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, Nathan Wilson and especially Jerry Lacy in the title role.
Doctor Mabuse has power over mind and matter. He's attempting to take over a large, unnamed city. Wilson is the tormented police inspector out to stop him. Suffice it to say that their are moments in their battle of wills that made my skin crawl. What Faraj has accomplished, at such a young age, and with such limited resources, is extraordinary.
Doctor Mabuse has power over mind and matter. He's attempting to take over a large, unnamed city. Wilson is the tormented police inspector out to stop him. Suffice it to say that their are moments in their battle of wills that made my skin crawl. What Faraj has accomplished, at such a young age, and with such limited resources, is extraordinary.
the future of film is here!
lynnandchris30 April 2013
as the movie began , I thought, hmmm...I am now in a theater, in Europe , in the early 30's...then i started looking for reference points, Ed Wood, David Lynch, Fritz Lang, Tarhovsky,Dan Curtis...but by then I was lost at sea with Mabuse and Ansal Faraj and I was scared. ..and amazed..I had never seen such a film!But I was captivated with the ever growing sense of DREAD, mind control, grief, and utter helplessness...aspects of my life were mirrored, all the actors were committed to the unfolding horror...a filmic Greek Tragedy...not for the faint of heart. Lacy, Scott, Parker , all excellent in their new reincarnations. It seems Dark Shadows lives again, in parallel time, in the brilliant fearlessness of young director, Ansal Faraj.
Don't let him into your mind...
tothestarz30 April 2013
This movie will mess with your head; I've never seen anything like it. I went to see the premier of "Doctor Mabuse" (2013) this weekend as a long-time Dark Shadows fan, not knowing quite what to expect and was blown away. I loved its unique style, haunting, noir atmosphere, dreamlike, both menacing and seductive, and how all the elements just meld into a seamless flow, the music, the visuals, the dialog, the characters...particularly with the whole dynamic of the original Dark Shadows actors in the cast, evoking all that ambiance and projecting it into a completely different universe, in distinct roles just as unique and engaging. The mystery of Doctor Mabuse and what he's up to keeps you slightly off-balance, falling forward, like a magic carpet being pulled out from under you as it unfolds before you. A work of art! I'm craving more!
A delight for the senses, a feast for the mind
dmontgom-673-16134630 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Director/Writer/Producer/Editor Ansel Faraj has created a stunning film that shows sources he loves which have influenced him: German expressionism, film noir, Dark Shadows, Doctor Who, and Star Trek, and blends them into something uniquely his own. Viewers are transported into a dreamlike world in an unnamed city of a period around the 1930s, where Doctor Mabuse (in one of Jerry Lacy's finest performances) ruthlessly uses his formidable supernatural powers in his effort to take over the city, letting no one stand in his way. Nathan Wilson is superb as Inspector Carl Lohemann, the young police inspector who opposes him. Linden Chiles, from Hitchcock's Marnie (1964), has a key role as Inspector Norbert Von Wenk. And Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker are together again, for the first time in over 40 years, as the regal and mysterious clairvoyant sisters, Madame Von Harbau and Madame Carrozza. Lara regales us with peals of her unmistakable laughter, and just wait till you see what Ansel does with her eyes, which are only one of various psychedelic effects you will see in the film!
The mood of the film is further enhanced by the memorable score by Bill Wandel, which is reminiscent of Bernard Hermann's score for "Vertigo". Although there is a breathtaking conclusion, the film ends on a cliffhanger, promising another installment to come. And don't leave your seats immediately, because just after the credits you will see one of the best scenes in the film! I left the theater feeling I was fortunate enough to be present at the dawn of a brilliant career.
The mood of the film is further enhanced by the memorable score by Bill Wandel, which is reminiscent of Bernard Hermann's score for "Vertigo". Although there is a breathtaking conclusion, the film ends on a cliffhanger, promising another installment to come. And don't leave your seats immediately, because just after the credits you will see one of the best scenes in the film! I left the theater feeling I was fortunate enough to be present at the dawn of a brilliant career.
Hello world, may I introduce the future Spielberg, Ansel Faraj
lillibunny30 April 2013
At my age, I can't get a camera to work correctly, and then made to feel more foolish when I see the awesome work of 21-year-old Ansel Faraj and what he has captured on film. There is an old soul in that body. On such a limited budget, it's amazing how much he has packed into the plus an hour-and-a half movie. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that there is so much mystery and uncertainty in the film that it keeps you guessing all through it. Stay after the credits to see the last, and my favorite, scene in the film.
Kudos to Jerry Lacy for bringing so much evil into the title role. He is outstanding in the role of Dr. Mabuse.
Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott added to the star power of the movie, as well as old-timer, Linden Chiles.
Kudos to Jerry Lacy for bringing so much evil into the title role. He is outstanding in the role of Dr. Mabuse.
Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott added to the star power of the movie, as well as old-timer, Linden Chiles.
Impressive
davidalexn-685-49879414 May 2013
I wasn't going to post a review for this film until I saw the grossly unfair review posted by the person from Pacific Grove, which was so over the top in it's negativity, I seriously wondered if a personal vendetta against the director was involved.
I went to see Doctor Mabuse because of the three Dark Shadows cast members--I was one of the kids who ran home from school to watch it back in the day. I was blown away by this movie. Produced for peanuts, shot in the director's backyard, (literally) it's an effective recreation of the kinds of thrillers that were produced in Berlin during the 1920s. I'm familiar with those films--I've seen the masterworks produced by Fritz Lang, Paul Leni F.W. Murnau and others--Ansel Faraj is a filmmaker with a vision to match theirs. Doctor Mabuse is bizarre, scary and unforgettable. Jerry Lacy is mesmerizing and terrifying in the title role--a character first presented on screen by Fritz Lang in 1922. Lacy's Dark Shadows co-stars Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker, offer able support as a creepy pair of sisters who may or may not be working with Mabuse. Handsome newcomer Nathan Wilson makes the perfect leading man: for an actor not as experienced as his co-stars, Wilson shows an impressive depth and intensity in his role as a tormented police inspector. Annie Waterman gives the film a delightfully camp edge with her over the top performance, which she does in a deliciously hilarious, if inexplicable, European accent.
Visually Doctor Mabuse is stunning. It's set in a dreamlike netherworld that could be any time, any place, between 1920-1950. Is it the USA? Is it Europe? That's never made clear, but it sure is spooky! As others have noted, if this masterpiece is what Ansel Faraj can achieve with limited resources it will be REALLY interesting what this young, emerging talent can do with a real budget!
I went to see Doctor Mabuse because of the three Dark Shadows cast members--I was one of the kids who ran home from school to watch it back in the day. I was blown away by this movie. Produced for peanuts, shot in the director's backyard, (literally) it's an effective recreation of the kinds of thrillers that were produced in Berlin during the 1920s. I'm familiar with those films--I've seen the masterworks produced by Fritz Lang, Paul Leni F.W. Murnau and others--Ansel Faraj is a filmmaker with a vision to match theirs. Doctor Mabuse is bizarre, scary and unforgettable. Jerry Lacy is mesmerizing and terrifying in the title role--a character first presented on screen by Fritz Lang in 1922. Lacy's Dark Shadows co-stars Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker, offer able support as a creepy pair of sisters who may or may not be working with Mabuse. Handsome newcomer Nathan Wilson makes the perfect leading man: for an actor not as experienced as his co-stars, Wilson shows an impressive depth and intensity in his role as a tormented police inspector. Annie Waterman gives the film a delightfully camp edge with her over the top performance, which she does in a deliciously hilarious, if inexplicable, European accent.
Visually Doctor Mabuse is stunning. It's set in a dreamlike netherworld that could be any time, any place, between 1920-1950. Is it the USA? Is it Europe? That's never made clear, but it sure is spooky! As others have noted, if this masterpiece is what Ansel Faraj can achieve with limited resources it will be REALLY interesting what this young, emerging talent can do with a real budget!
A movie - and filmmaker - for our time
aew689 May 2013
See this movie because Ansel Faraj has been able to do something new in a way that filmmakers twice to three times his age seemed to have never known how to do. Doctor Mabuse is a wholly original film and fearless while it's at it -- detailing a contemporarily rendered vision of fear, even if set in "period" times between the wars yet, as we are now, always in a state of war. Fear, paranoia, claustrophobia, conformity and the banality of evil combine in a visually arresting and mind-blowing way to tell a simply great and terrifying story. Jerry Lacy MAKES the film along with a cast turning in good to great performances that enhance Lacy's dark embodiment of evil. Part homage, part brand new vision and always an analogy for our times, Doctor Mabuse is not only a highly worthy and frightening story in and of itself but marks a serious entry into movie-making. Ansel Faraj means it!
Spoilers follow ...
parry_na20 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Is the good Doctor's name pronounced Mab-yuse, or Mab-oose? Certainly, this film doesn't seem to be able to make up its mind.
This is an extremely stylised production. The ultra-low budget is used to its fullest advantage to produce a highly personal vision for director Ansel Faraj – at least for the most part. The occasionally uneven sound levels betray the lack of finance in a negative way. Everything else is deliberately and convincingly noir-ish, unconventional and dream-like, bringing to mind ancient films, especially 'Vampyr (1932)' and 'Nosferatu (1922)'.
The word 'pretentious' has been bandied about in reviews (although the reception this film has received is mainly positive), a seemingly damning condemnation, and yet I've never understood how it is meant to insult. Here is an abstract world of dark shadows (!), studio-bound sepia cityscapes and the unspecified threat of some eternal damnation via Jerry Lacy's magnificent portrayal of Mabuse, where no effort is made to allow the production to flow smoothly or naturalistically – but why is this pretentious? It is what it is, far from the norm, featuring heightened performances, theatrical dialogue, all geared to immerse the viewer in its sinister unreality.
Apart from Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker (also from classic television show 'Dark Shadows (1966-71)') feature, and enter entirely into the weirdness of the piece. Quite why Mabuse was exiled by the time of the beginning of this story we don't know. His powers aren't really elaborated upon other than wanting to rule the 'ashes of this city', (with Inspector Carl Lohemann (Nathan Wilson) to ultimately take his place), but such is the powerful intensity of Jerry Lacy's performance, we have no doubt he can achieve this.
To use a word I hate, 'jarring' is how I would describe my initial feeling about 'Doctor Mabuse' – from the beginning, it doesn't compromise its bygone sense of surreality and that takes some getting used to. But after watching many horror films, it is delightful to find something so different, produced and played so convincingly, and the stark imagery truly creates scenarios of which true nightmares are made. A wonderfully immersive production. I look forward to its sequel, 'Etiopomar (2014)' very much.
This is an extremely stylised production. The ultra-low budget is used to its fullest advantage to produce a highly personal vision for director Ansel Faraj – at least for the most part. The occasionally uneven sound levels betray the lack of finance in a negative way. Everything else is deliberately and convincingly noir-ish, unconventional and dream-like, bringing to mind ancient films, especially 'Vampyr (1932)' and 'Nosferatu (1922)'.
The word 'pretentious' has been bandied about in reviews (although the reception this film has received is mainly positive), a seemingly damning condemnation, and yet I've never understood how it is meant to insult. Here is an abstract world of dark shadows (!), studio-bound sepia cityscapes and the unspecified threat of some eternal damnation via Jerry Lacy's magnificent portrayal of Mabuse, where no effort is made to allow the production to flow smoothly or naturalistically – but why is this pretentious? It is what it is, far from the norm, featuring heightened performances, theatrical dialogue, all geared to immerse the viewer in its sinister unreality.
Apart from Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker (also from classic television show 'Dark Shadows (1966-71)') feature, and enter entirely into the weirdness of the piece. Quite why Mabuse was exiled by the time of the beginning of this story we don't know. His powers aren't really elaborated upon other than wanting to rule the 'ashes of this city', (with Inspector Carl Lohemann (Nathan Wilson) to ultimately take his place), but such is the powerful intensity of Jerry Lacy's performance, we have no doubt he can achieve this.
To use a word I hate, 'jarring' is how I would describe my initial feeling about 'Doctor Mabuse' – from the beginning, it doesn't compromise its bygone sense of surreality and that takes some getting used to. But after watching many horror films, it is delightful to find something so different, produced and played so convincingly, and the stark imagery truly creates scenarios of which true nightmares are made. A wonderfully immersive production. I look forward to its sequel, 'Etiopomar (2014)' very much.
Great atmosphere....
tsarinat21 October 2023
As a fan of both Fritz Lang and the old Dark Shadows soap opera, I was eager to see Ansel Faraj's Doctor Mabuse. You could say I am the target audience, and I wasn't disappointed! Seeing Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott, and Lara Parker together again is a treat in and of itself. As always, they are terrific! Newcomer Nathan Wilson has a lot of on screen charisma too. Faraj creates a noirish atmosphere which draws the viewer in. The lighting is particularly effective. I was surprised to learn that the director was only 21 years old when he made this film. Given his age and budget he had to work with, I am quite impressed. I am looking forward to seeing more of Faraj's work in the future. The movie and the director are definitely worth watching!
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