![The Power of the Dog (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71y6JNsXLoL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
The Flicker Alley Collection has done a superb job with this fabulous restored edition of German director F.W. Murnau's "Phantom", adding many special bonus features and also a booklet to delight all serious film historians and silent film enthusiasts. F.W. Murnau was one of Germany's foremost directors, competing with the likes of Fritz Lang and G.W. Pabst, and his most famous films are no doubt the award-winning "Sunrise" from 1927, and the ever-popular horror classic, "Nosferatu", based on Bram Stoker's `Dracula'. Just after completing "Nosferatu" in 1922, Murnau embarked on this small-budget project, "Phantom", which was based on a novel by the respected and popular German author, Gerhart Hauptmann. Both novel and film were very popular at the time, and for today's audience this release of "Phantom" adds further dimension and range to Murnau's work. After directing "Nosferatu", it is clear to see Murnau's film directing quickly becoming more sophisticated, the editing smoother and more precise, and the depth of drama and sensitivity increasing, leading him to great cinematic works such as "Faust", "The Last Laugh" and no doubt the pinnacle of his success, "Sunrise".
In this sensitive and compassionate portrayal of an honest man's slide into mental illness and crime, the "Phantom" refers to images or hallucinations of a woman with whom the poor man has become obsessed, and which consequently lead him to more desperate acts. The story shows how a few unfortunate circumstances and association with two questionable characters (one of them being his own wayward sister) combined with his pathological obsession with a woman he hardly knows, quickly cause his life to spiral downward out of control. The focus is on Lorenz's good and honest character, and the equally good-hearted woman who loves him and believes in him despite everything. All characters are wonderfully portrayed by some of the finest European actors of the time, such as Alfred Abel as Lorenz, and Lil Dagover as his devoted Maria, whose love and faith restores his life to happiness in the end. Visually, this film is quite marvellous, with beautiful scenes and photography, some interesting effects and traces of classic German Expressionism, all enhanced by good restoration and careful colour-tinting, and the entire 130 minutes of this smooth-flowing story is a delight to watch. A masterful classical orchestral score by silent film composer, Robert Israel, lifts this film to even greater heights. For a very satisfying and fulfilling silent cinematic experience the film itself is already enough, but for more background information and better appreciation of the work involved and circumstances surrounding the filming, the short documentaries in the bonus features are also of a high standard, as are the biographies of everyone involved in the film, including Thea von Harbou who wrote the screenplay for "Phantom" - as she did for many other famous and classic films. Definitely a top-class production for its time and still a pleasure to watch today!
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
