Silent Cinema

A most remarkable film of the silent era. On first watching this exercise in international cinema I was repeatedly struck with its modernity. The images are of the 1920s (of course), however the theme and execution is beyond its years. In addition, if a film student ever wanted to know how films were made in the 20s and what cinema back then was capable of, then this film is a 'must see'.

It pains me to type this review. Why? Certainly not for the film as it is an incredible piece of work from 1911. The imagery is spectacular and fits the imagery one gets from reading this ancient story. A Gothic masterpiece indeed.

The painful part is due to the background score. As Tangerine Dream is undeniably my favourite band I was swarmed with confusion as to how they managed to botch-up such an incredible opportunity to enhance an already brilliant film. Now, TD are no strangers to soundtracks but their music for L'Inferno does not reflect the scenes in the film whatsoever. It is as if someone simply played an LP while the film is shown. A great disappointment. I can only hope Edgar and Jerome Froese never make a blunder such as this again.