{"id":71183,"date":"2021-04-07T08:17:45","date_gmt":"2021-04-07T15:17:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=71183"},"modified":"2021-04-07T08:17:45","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T15:17:45","slug":"vampyr-castle-of-doom-1932","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=71183","title":{"rendered":"Vampyr \/ Castle of Doom (1932)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;I know. I&#8217;m damned.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-216x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-71184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-216x300.png 216w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-739x1024.png 739w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-92x128.png 92w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-768x1064.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster-195x270.png 195w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Poster.png 793w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nA young man (Julian West) interested in all things supernatural arrives at a mysterious inn in the village of Courtenpierre, where he&#8217;s handed a book about vampires by an old man (Maurice Schutz), then wanders over to a castle where he finds two sisters &#8212; deathly ill Leone (Sybille Schmitz) and scared Gisele (Rena Mandel) &#8212; under the sway of a vampiric old lady (Henriette Gerard) and her helpers, a suspiciously lurking village doctor (Jan Hieronimko) and a peg-legged gamekeeper (Albert Bras).\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Carl Theodore Dreyer Films<\/li>\n<li>Horror Films<\/li>\n<li>Living Nightmare<\/li>\n<li>Vampires<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Response to Peary\u2019s Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nPeary writes that &#8220;Carl Dreyer&#8217;s classic is not like any other vampire film,&#8221; given it&#8217;s &#8220;not so much a horror film as an eerie mood piece, a dream, the visualization of the conflict between the heart and the brain for the soul.&#8221; He notes that &#8220;Dreyer links his vampire with Satan and makes Courtenpierre a religious battleground where believers and blasphemers wage war&#8221; and asserts that while the &#8220;picture is slow-paced and has no shocks&#8221; &#8220;even young horror-movie fans should be able to recognize why it is regarded as a classic of the genre.&#8221; He points out &#8220;several startling visual passages&#8221;, including West &#8220;thinking himself a corpse and seeing his own funeral:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71197\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; shadows dancing on the inn&#8217;s wall:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Shadows-Dancing-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; possessed Leone&#8217;s evil face shown in close up as she leers at her sister:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Smile-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; [and] a death in a flour mill&#8221; &#8212; and he notes that &#8220;the whole film has an effectively haunting, misty look due to the use of gauze in front of the camera.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Looking-Outside-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>However, while Peary and every other reviewer I&#8217;ve read seem quite taken by this intentionally ethereal mood piece (made during a transitional period between silent films and talkies), I was much less engaged. Non-actor West &#8212; who funded the film, thus securing a role for himself &#8212; simply wanders through a pair of houses watching admittedly eerie and incomprehensible imagery playing out, while far too many pages from the book he&#8217;s received about vampires are shown on screen for us to read at regular intervals. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Book-Page-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, I&#8217;m hard-pressed to see much evidence in the surreal narrative of &#8220;the conflict between the heart and the brain for the soul&#8221; &#8212; though clearly there&#8217;s plenty here for those so inclined to interpret in a variety of ways. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rudolph Mate&#8217;s cinematography<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Scythe-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li>Effectively unsettling imagery<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-71187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin.png 960w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin-128x96.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vampyr-Coffin-360x270.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nNo, though it&#8217;s worth a look for its historical significance. <\/p>\n<p> (<span style=\"color:red;font-weight:bold;\">Listed in <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-static\/1001Movies.htm\"><em>1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die<\/em><\/a><\/span>) <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0023649\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s2632vamp.html\">DVD Savant Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespinningimage.co.uk\/cultfilms\/displaycultfilm.asp?reviewid=1688\">Spinning Image Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qnetwork.com\/review\/3939\">Q Network Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.moriareviews.com\/horror\/vampyr-1932.htm\">Moria Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;I know. I&#8217;m damned.&#8221; Synopsis: A young man (Julian West) interested in all things supernatural arrives at a mysterious inn in the village of Courtenpierre, where he&#8217;s handed a book about vampires by an old man (Maurice Schutz), then wanders over to a castle where he finds two sisters &#8212; deathly ill Leone (Sybille Schmitz) and scared Gisele (Rena Mandel) &#8212; under the sway of a vampiric old lady (Henriette Gerard) and her helpers, a suspiciously lurking village doctor (Jan&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=71183\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-responses-to-peary"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=71183"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71204,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71183\/revisions\/71204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=71183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=71183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=71183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}