There has been more than one film adaptation of Maurice Renard's novel 'Les Mains d'Orlac' of 1920. There are those of Karl Freund, Edmond T. Greville and someone called Newt Arnold but in the humble opinion of this reviewer nothing can begin to match the atmosphere and emotional power of the version directed by one of the masters of German Expressionism Robert Wiene.
Some critics have drawn attention to the 'operatic' style of acting but surely that is part and parcel of the genre.
The mental and emotional torture of pianist Paul Orlac and his wife are wonderfully expressed by Conrad Veidt and Alexandra Sonna. The scene where he embraces his beloved piano and tries to play for the first time after leaving hospital whilst his heartbroken wife looks on is simply magnificent. The scene across the table at the inn between Orlac and Nerra, played by Fritz Kortner, is excellent.
As for the film itself the lighting, framing and composition of scenes is exceptional. Wiene was a master of the visual and here has the talents of Gunther Krampf as Cinematographer and Stefan Wessely as Art Director.
Yes, this is a horror film but also a work of art.
The version I saw recently was even more effective having been spared the curse of the 'specially composed' score. Gott sei Dank!
Review of The Hands of Orlac
