What a great time to be a silent film enthusiast. Thanks to video technology it’s now possible to have access to more silent films than ever before and in the best condition since their original release. For years Danish director Benjamin Christensen’s 1922 controversial “documentary” HAXAN (The Witches) has been available (when it’s been available) in either lousy public domain copies projected at the wrong speed or in the extremely funky edited version narrated by William Burroughs with a modern jazz score. Now with the help of the Swedish Film Institute and Home Vision Cinema/Criterion Collection it is finally possible to see the film the way that Christensen intended it. Over thirty minutes of censored footage has been restored along with original tints that make this version far superior to anything that has been previously available.
For those of you who know HAXAN only through the William Burroughs version known as WITCHCRAFT THROUGH THE AGES, it too has been included in this new release (DVD and VHS) so you can see the difference. Added bonuses include footage of Christensen in 1941 (in addition to directing he also portrayed Satan) and outtakes from various scenes. While not a great film it remains a remarkable, gripping experience full of striking images that stay with you long after the film is over. Although not a documentary in the true sense of the word, it does attempt to portray a selected history of what was called witchcraft and how it was brutally dealt with by the church. Scenes of nudity, torture, carnal lust, and flagellation helped to get it banned in several countries as well as heavily edited.
While the film is not for everyone it should be seen at least once for once seen it cannot be forgotten and now it’s possible to see it restored to its former glory. Although it’s great to have the original version, it’s also good to have the Burroughs version as well. Another excellent job from the Home Vision people (who brought us Dreyer’s PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC and Pabst’s PANDORA’S BOX). Thanks to the Criterion Collection for making it available on DVD. Though here in time for Halloween, HAXAN is definitely not for kids!
The Capsule Critic 