The Student of Prague

The extremely interesting meeting between Stellan Rye, Paul Wegener, and Hanns Heinz Ewers over the proto-Faustian story of The Student of Prague inspires and intrigues even after a century. Wegener remains faithful to the Prague environment, later switching to the legend of the Golem. Ewers becomes a pivotal magician once again when he inspires a series of variations on another of his themes, the diabolical Alrauna. A technically superb, dramatically consuming, and captivating version with great acting. Don't look in the mirror! And never sign a contract if you are in Prague on May 13, 1820. And of course, if you have a suitable concert to screen, you should also notice the great Lyda Salmonova as Liduška, on screen and in life the partner of the classic Wegener. (25/09/2013)