Witchcraft Through the Ages / Haxan (1922)

Witchcraft Through the Ages / Haxan (1922)

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“How do you expect me to confess to that which is not true?”

Synopsis:
Director Benjamin Christensen explores the effects of witchcraft on medieval life while making connections to “modern-day” hysteria in women.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Documentary
  • Scandinavian Films
  • Silent Films
  • Witches and Wizards

Review:
Haxan, or (in Swedish) “the witch”, was the most expensive Scandinavian silent film ever made, and ranks as one of the most unique movies to emerge from the silent film era. A fascinating mix of didactic documentary and fictional imagining, director Benjamin Christensen provides us with both a pictorial history of witchcraft via ancient European art (complete with animated pointers highlighting key images for us to focus on), and a set of increasingly disturbing dramatizations showcasing what life may have been like for those willingly practicing the Satanic arts (yes, witchcraft and Satanism are frustratingly conflated here), those seeking said services, and those falsely accused. What starts out as a relatively lighthearted presentation of a homely woman seeking assistance in seducing a portly clergyman through the use of a special witch-brewed potion quickly turns deeply somber, as we see an entire household overtaken by suspicion and hysteria. Special kudos should be given to Christensen for daring to demonstrate the ways in which witchcraft was used as a means of lethal subjugation by men (especially those in the clergy) against women of all ages, and by women against each other.

Cinematically, the entire film is a consistently innovative visual treat. Christensen seamlessly blends animation, live action, costumes, and atmospheric cinematography throughout his motley narrative, using whatever tools best fit his vision at any given moment. Certain scenes are nothing less than shocking in their willingness to transgress our comfort zone, as we see (for instance) witches lining up to kiss the devil’s bottom, or a witch giving birth to Satan’s beastly children. In later scenes, Christensen attempts to connect his sequence of historical dramatizations with modern-day psychology — an effort which isn’t entirely successful (we can no longer chalk women’s psychological challenges up to pure “hysteria”), but which suits the film’s overall exploratory nature just fine. Meanwhile, Christensen also provides a fascinating meta-cinematic narrative, not only including “voice-over” intertitles for the early scenes, but openly “outing” the fictional characters as actors who were apparently closely involved in the entire endeavor.

Note: This film was released in 1968 in a truncated form, with a voiceover by William Burroughs — but the restored full version (which is what I saw) is apparently highly preferred.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • A fascinating documentary/fiction exploration of witchcraft


  • Creative animation and overall cinematic artistry


  • Fine, atmospheric cinematography

Must See?
Yes, as a truly unique and compelling early film. Listed as a film with Historical Importance in the back of Peary’s book.

Categories

  • Controversial Film
  • Cult Movie
  • Historically Relevant

(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die)

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One thought on “Witchcraft Through the Ages / Haxan (1922)”

  1. A once-must, as (yes) a truly unique historical document from the silent era.

    The assessment more than adequately sums up the film, so I’ve little to tack on. It’s true, though: viewers thinking early on that this is a fairly mild documentary should keep in mind that there is a very definite build as the film continues. Some of the imagery is increasingly bizarre, and a number of sequences are somewhat harrowing – though I wouldn’t say there’s anything to stir the squeamish. However, particularly disturbing (towards the end of the film) are the various shots of torture instruments used to make people confess to being witches. These devices – as well as the tendency in people to denounce neighbors as being in league with the Devil – are rather horrifying reminders of this black era of superstition. (We’re told that, in a few decades, over 8 million men, women and children were burned at the stake.)

    The root of at least two must-see titles – ‘Witchfinder General’ and ‘The Devils’ – can be seen in this film.

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