Customer Reviews

Doctor Faustus [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1960's film featuring typical sets from the period does rather well with Marlowe's original play of the tragic decision made by a German professor to sell his soul in exchange for 4 and 20 years of self gratification. As in the original play, it is a very erudite work and features players from Oxford University as well as Burton at the height of his powers and his famous love for Elizabeth Taylor projected here in the role of Helen of Troy. A wonderful and haunting score in the opening credits and throughout the movie adds to the flavor of this intellectual delight. (The score is available on CD if you know where to look) This movie is DEEP. VERY DEEP! With lines such as "Settle thy studies Faustus, and begin to sound the depth of that thou wilt profess" Have a Latin dictionary nearby and don't let your attention wander! This movie is best seen at about 1:30AM, which is when it was usually shown on television! All kidding aside this is an interesting work and well worth your investment and time. Burton was a #1 box office draw in this era and Dr. Faustus will demonstrate why.

Richard Burton stars and co-directed this idiosyncratic production of DOCTOR FAUSTUS (Columbia Tristar), Christopher Marlowe's 16th century masterpiece about an aging German scholar who makes a deal with the devil for youth, knowledge, and a dazzling mistress (Elizabeth Taylor in a silent role as Helen of Troy). Filmed in the UK with supporting performances from the Oxford University Dramatic Society, this disc works better as an audio play. The music is effective and the mellifluous voice of Burton is a wonder. Now where's the uncut Brit version of Ken Russell's THE DEVILS?

`Doctor Faustus', the '68 re-visioning of the Faustus/Mephistophelian Mythos produced, directed and starring Richard Burton is somewhat of a mixed bag, moving from immensely satisfying to plodding and back again. Burton is perfect as Doctor John Faustus, the ultimate Renaissance man whose thirst for knowledge takes him beyond the confines of conventional wisdom into the forbidden mysteries which can only be accessed by a pact with the Devil in exchange for a human soul. This is the role he was was born to play, plummeting the depths of the psyche and all the angst that goes with it has always been what he does best.

Andreas Teuber's portrayal of Mephistopheles is the perfect counterbalance to the histrionic Faustus. Disturbingly quiet, attentive and thoughtful his demonic persona wavers subtly between melancholy and malignant. It's amazing how his expressionless face could convey so much unspoken meaning.

While the story is classic, the visuals at times hypnotic and Burton and Teuber superb, I found the presence of Elizabeth Taylor distracting and an unnecessary addition to the film. Aware of Richard and Liz's highly publicized love/hate relationship made her inclusion as his otherworldly lover a parody of their off-screen antics and detracted from the intended mood and mystery of the film. Fortunately this shortcoming may no longer apply to a younger generation unfamiliar with their on again off again romance.

All and all an enjoyable thought provoking film for the Faustus in all of us.

Back in 1967 when this film was first released, critics jumped all over it as just a Richard Burton-Elizabeth Taylor vanity project which it was but that's all they saw. Now that Dick and Liz have been supplanted by Tom and Katie and Brad and Angelina the film is ripe for rediscovery and there is much to discover here. The beauty of Christopher Marlowe's play lies in the poetry of the lines and the philosophical and theological points the playwright raises. This Oxford University production which Burton co-directed captures its stage origins but is cleverly opened up in a number of ways which turn it into a fascinating cinematic experience thanks to an imaginative use of lighting, beautiful cinematography, and a haunting musical score by Mario Nascimbene (ONE MILLION YEARS B.C.). And then there is Richard Burton.

His intense portrayal of the title character is a joy to behold and serves as a vivid reminder of just what a charismatic performer he was. His glorious voice speaks the Elizabethan text as if it were everyday conversation but with a power and conviction that must be heard to be believed and thanks to the optional DVD subtitles you can follow along as he speaks if you wish. The rest of the cast is made up of members of the Oxford Dramatic Society and they fufill the other roles satisfactorily with Andreas Teuber an absolute standout as a melancholy Mephistopheles. Last but not least there is Elizabeth Taylor. She is required to do nothing more than look beautiful in various guises (she has no dialogue) but she makes her presence felt throughout considering how beautiful she was back then. Chances are no one will redo Marlowe's play on film anytime soon and so there is even more reason to celebrate this version which clearly shows what the play has to offer as a great precursor to Shakespeare and how to make a major film on a minor budget.

This film is a great showcase of the amazing acting talent of the Immortal Richard Burton. What better material than the great Christopher Marlowe, the one who paved the way for Shakespeare for Richard Burton to flex his immense acting power and to speak what poetry in such a beautiful and mighty voice?

The first time I saw this film, I was mesmerized. I had already known of the greatness of Richard Burton with my viewing of The Spy who came in from the Cold but when I saw this film, I was entirely convinced of the fact that Richard Burton is up there with Laurence Olivier, and beyond? Possibly.

This 1967 film of Christipher Marlowe's play is quite good. Richard Burton is very convincing in the role of Faustus, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for power, wealth, and knowledge. Elizabeth Taylor appears briefly several times as Helen of Troy and other characters, but she does not even speak except for her laughing at the end. Burton contributes much more with his fine acting and delivery of great lines from the play such as "Is the face that launched a thousand ships and burnt the topless towers of Illium?" Was Liz Taylor as Helen really that beautiful? I guess that's for her admirers to decide. The film's music is also haunting and moving. All of the great acting and sombre atmosphere help to make up for the movie's being limited almost entirely to a simple stage and inexpensive props.

The DVD has fairly good sound and picture quality, although it doesn't seem that any restoration was done to the film. Trailers from other movies were included but unfortunately no material directly related to this film. The DVD that I purchased was in full screen (despite it being advertised as widescreen), but I am happy with this because my TV screen is the regular size.

Richard Burton struggles between wanting fame, fortune and Helen of Troy and the good of his soul. One particularly moving scene is where he has a conversation with Mephistopholus (an angel gone bad) about making a deal with the Devil to get what he wants. Richard Burton lovers - get this one for sure!

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This movie is based on the play "The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus" (1588) by Christopher Marlowe (1564 to 1593).

The movie begins with the printed word:

"A tragic legend written down in the sixteenth century wherein a learned scientist honored with the laurels of his university, sold his soul to the devil for still greater knowledge and power in the unknown."

This brief introduction also summarizes the entire movie (except for the ending).

Dr. Faustus (the legendary Richard Burton, 1925 to 1984) actually signs a contract in his own blood with Mephistopheles (a disciple of the devil played by Andreas Teuber) present (and who asks the question that titles this review). Faustus is unsure of his decision but quickly adapts to his new life gaining not only power but other delights including the satisfaction of his lust for Helen of Troy (Elizabeth Taylor), "the face that launch'd a thousand ships." Besides he is told that,

"In Hell is all manner of delight."

But when Faustus begins to strongly regret his decision, it's too late and he has nothing to look forward too but "eternal damnation."

This movie is a tour de force for Richard Burton (who also co-directed and co-produced). The almost Shakespearean dialogue flows off his tongue and his acting as Dr. Faustus is superb. I sensed that he was really enjoying this role.

Surprisingly, Andreas Teuber who plays Mephistopheles (this was his first major movie role) also gives a convincing performance as the devil's assistant.

Be aware that Elizabeth Taylor as Helen has no speaking parts in this movie. At the end, she laughs wickedly.

The scenery and costumes were, I felt, fantastic. All filming took place in Rome. The background music adds to each scene.

A note on the language. Above I said it was "almost Shakespearean." This is because I find that Marlowe's language is not nearly as difficult to understand as Shakespeare's. However, I still recommend turning on the English subtitles. (Those viewers who are used to Elizabethan language should easily understand this movie.)

I should mention that this movie was put down by critics when it first came out. For myself, I can't understand why. This movie stayed with me long after I finished watching it (mainly due to Richard Burton's performance).

Finally, the DVD itself (the one released in 2004) is perfect in picture and sound quality. It has no significant extras.

In conclusion, in my opinion, this movie brings Christopher Marlow's classic play to life! By the end of it you will definitely know that

"the reward of sin is death."

(1967; 90 min; wide screen; 28 scenes)

<<Stephen Pletko or "Uncle Stevie," London, Ontario, Canada>>

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I first saw this drama years ago in college and never forgot it. The hauntingly beautiful verse of Marlow's magnificent tragedy so eloquently spoken by Richard Burton caused me to run out and immediately buy the drama.
Elizabeth Taylor plays a minor character (Helen of Troy) in a non-speaking role, more as a vision of beauty--to tantalize Faust's imagination, libido, and desire for unlimited power, than as a real person.
The last scene, in which Faust, in terror, yearns to repent and be saved, while angles and devils whisper words of hope and despair in his ears, is to me, one of the most moving and beautiful scenes ever written for stage or film. "See where Christ's blood streams in the firmament, one drop would save my soul...half a drop..." The scene is set in utter simplicity, and Burton is at his most powerful as the doomed soul. Don't cheat yourself out of seeing this masterpiece.

Would you sell your soul to the devil for all you desire? Doctor Faustus (Richard Burton) would. His desire? The woman with "...the face that launched 1,000 ships..." (Helen of Troy - Elizabeth Taylor). The Burtons produced this film version following their appearance in the stage version at Burton's alum, Oxford University. And, the film utilizes most of the Oxford players as well. The play, written by Christopher Marlowe (no Shakespeare he), centers around the opening line of this review. It would be difficult to resist such a sale with Elizabeth Taylor as the temptation. Despite several limitations, most notably budget, this film is quite intriquing. Mostly because of Taylor. Although she does not speak one word, appearing only as "visions" and "temptations", she is simply breathtakingly beautiful, even if somewhat zoftig. And, the music written by Mario Nascimbene, particularly "Helen's Theme", is nothing short of haunting. The film itself is nothing extrordinary, but Taylor, her costumes, and the music make it all worthwhile for me.