A centrepiece of early German Expressionist film "The Golem" (Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam) is a dark supernatural drama based on myth and legend. In medieval Prague a circular is sent that all Jews will be banished from the ghetto they reside in for reasons anyone aware of anti-Semitism knows. A prominent and respected rabbi resolves to save his people by resurrecting a long-held tale of magic and the occult. His effort is a success. His plan is fulfilled and all goes swimmingly well until like the Frankenstein story the creation turns to be dynamite that threatens to conflagrate everything in its path. With its raw, jam-packed unaesthetic sets the film recreates the dismal poverty of a medieval ghetto and the dark hues and tones of the restored film give the feel and vibe of dreamlike clarity and aesthetic beauty. The film doesn't lack in humor and Paul Wegener's stunned-eyed Golem is one of the most amusing images in cinema history. Slow-going with the common herky-jerky movements and overly theatrical acting of the time the movie nonetheless holds up well. As the film celebrates its centennial this year now is a good time to rediscover this notable artifact from a bygone age.
Review of The Golem
