Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

Before there were some short films on the history of the doctor with a split personality, but this is the first feature film history adapting Stevenson's classic novel.

To the distant date it was shot, the merits of the movie are quite remarkable. To highlight the great performance in both roles, medical and alter ego, John Barrymore. Lon Chaney's contemporary, the characterization of American actor as Mr. Hyde is perhaps the most shocking, the most malignant of how many have been made. If most conform to the simian version of the original, Barrymore has a being closer to the diabolical, with all its features (including the head) so pointed, almost sharp. This is without doubt one of the greatest achievements of movie.

Despite the continuous and monotonous accompaniment of violin music and the story is told with some awkwardness, without sufficient inclusion of spoilers, it will highlight a risky, innovative for its time, in presenting unusual environments such as den opium or brothel, places with an atmosphere, an atmosphere very well developed.


5/10