Der Golem is a classic of early cinema, and while I have no wish to trample all over the oppression of the Jewish people etc, etc, this is a dull story and I have read the legend as well.
The Golem is a Jewish story first written around the 1500s about the Jewish oppression that existed. ... Read review
A relic certainly, but a fascinating one,Der Golemis perhaps the screen's first great ... more
monster movie. Though it was actually the third time director-star Paul Wegener had played the eponymous creation, the earlier efforts (sadly lost) were rough drafts ...
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A relic certainly, but a fascinating one,Der Golemis perhaps the screen's first great ... more
monster movie. Though it was actually the third time director-star Paul Wegener had played the eponymous creation, the earlier efforts (sadly lost) were rough drafts ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
In the Jewish ghetto in 16th century Prague, the community leader and astrologer Rabbi L?w ... more
(Albert Steinrueck) foresees doom for his people written in the stars. A short time later the Emperor Luhois (Otto Gebuehr) issues an expulsion order to the peop...
Directed, produced and starring Paul Wegener the Golem is a masterpiece of early cinema. ... more
The story centres on a Jewish community threatened with removal from the city under proclamation from the Emperor, which the head Rabbi, Rabbi Loew predicted in the stars. Contructing a Clay Man to stop this oppression and calling upon ancient powers in a magical amulet the creature is brought to life to protect its people.
With his third version of THE GOLEM, director, writer, and actor Paul Wegener is credited ... more
with creating the first horror movie series, and historians consider THE GOLEM AND THE DANCER (his 1917 follow-up to the 1914 original) to be the first sequel in cinema history. Based on a legend in Jewish mysticism, in 16th-century Prague community leader and astrologer Rabbi Loew (Albert Steinruck) foresees doom for the Jews. When the emperor decrees a pogrom of the Jewish ghetto, Loew molds a forbidding clay golem (Wegener) to save his people. Loew invokes a demon spirit to retrieve a magic word that he places in an amulet on the creature's chest. Once the word is positioned, the giant wedge-haired automaton lives. Danger ensues, however, when Loew's assistant, Famulus (Ernst Deutsch), uses the golem to settle a score with Florian (Lothar Muthel), a knight who has stolen his sweetheart, Miriam (Lyda Salmonova). THE GOLEM's influence on future horror films was significant, particularly James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN. Wegener's distorted sets and chiaroscuro lighting, complemented by Karl Freund's expert photography, make the film an excellent example of German Expressionism and an important contribution by German mega studio UFA to the golden age of Weimar cinema.
Production Year: 2000 - Horror - Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, James Van Der Beek, Keenen Ivory Wayans
Advantages: A classic of early foreign cinema Disadvantages: poorly shot, poor plot, unintentionally very funny moment
Der Golem is a classic of early cinema, and while I have no wish to trample all over the oppression of the Jewish people etc, etc, this is a dull story and I have read the legend as well.
The Golem is a Jewish story first written around the 1500s about the Jewish oppression that existed. All through history Jews have been persecuted and hated as moneylenders. So this is the inevitable film of this story. The Golem is created to defend ... ...get on the DVD of Der Golem. 64 minutes of nothing particular. Somewhat amusingly Der Golem is also shot with the Golem carrying a shopping basket on his arm like an elderly lady. It is an unintentionally funny moment and is really something I shouldn't highlight it will ruin the story for you if you do watch it!!
Compared to other films of the time (1920s) this is a poorly shot movie. The camera exposure sways in and out of light ... more
Der Golem is a classic of early cinema, and while I have no wish to trample all over the oppression of the Jewish people etc, etc, this is a dull story and I have read the legend as well.
The Golem is a Jewish story first written around the 1500s about the Jewish oppression that existed. All through history Jews have been persecuted and hated as moneylenders. So this is the inevitable film of this story. The Golem is created to defend the Jewish people from annihilations from The Emperor and we should remember that even in 1920 the Emperor was a real person in German / Austrian history.
Unfortunately this basis for a story is not expanded on. It is a shame to criticise a film for lack of plot when the actual legend of the Golem is very brief in the first place. So that is what you get on the DVD of Der Golem. 64 minutes of nothing particular. Somewhat amusingly Der Golem is also shot with the Golem carrying a shopping basket on his arm like an elderly lady. It is an unintentionally funny moment and is really something I shouldn't highlight it will ruin the story for you if you do watch it!!
Compared to other films of the time (1920s) this is a poorly shot movie. The camera exposure sways in and out of light and dark, the focus drifts and the music at times seems completely inappropriate and the screen is only half full. When you consider the stunts that Buster Keaton was performing at the same time Der Golem is an amateur movie really.
If you want to watch this, then don't go out of your way, although an interesting example of early cinema it is best kept a museum exhibit rather than being watched. I am happy to know it exists only. and if you are worried about Jewish oppression just remember that this film was first made in 1915 way before WWII.
DVD costs around £10.99 in big stores, but is available on the Cult Classics range for a bit less.
DVD features:
Filmographies of the actors and writers Photo gallery (of poorly shot movie remember)
A silent German horror classic set in 16th Century Prague which revolves around a Rabbi who constructs a man of clay to defend his people against plunder and massacre. Fully restored and digitally remastered. Tinted.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT; SONY DADC
Release date
22/09/2003
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
EKA 40065
Barcode
5060000401745
Languages
Subtitle Language
English, German
Technical information
Special Features
Audio Essay By Film Historian R Dixon Smith, Photo Gallery, Scene Selections
Aspect Ratio
4:3 Full Frame
Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital English
DVD Description
With his third version of THE GOLEM, director, writer, and actor Paul Wegener is credited with creating the first horror movie series, and historians consider THE GOLEM AND THE DANCER (his 1917 follow-up to the 1914 original) to be the first sequel in cinema history. Based on a legend in Jewish mysticism, in 16th-century Prague community leader and astrologer Rabbi Loew (Albert Steinruck) foresees doom for the Jews. When the emperor decrees a pogrom of the Jewish ghetto, Loew molds a forbidding clay golem (Wegener) to save his people. Loew invokes a demon spirit to retrieve a magic word that he places in an amulet on the creature's chest. Once the word is positioned, the giant wedge-haired automaton lives. Danger ensues, however, when Loew's assistant, Famulus (Ernst Deutsch), uses the golem to settle a score with Florian (Lothar Muthel), a knight who has stolen his sweetheart, Miriam (Lyda Salmonova). THE GOLEM's influence on future horror films was significant, particularly James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN. Wegener's distorted sets and chiaroscuro lighting, complemented by Karl Freund's expert photography, make the film an excellent example of German Expressionism and an important contribution by German mega studio UFA to the golden age of Weimar cinema.
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