A few nights ago I happened to see an old B&W German film by Fritz Lang called “Testament of Dr. Mabuse”. It was fantastic! I have long been a fan of German expressionism in films like ‘Metropolis’ and ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’, the use of light and shadow in these films is just breathtaking.
The story behind Marbuse is one of a sinister and pure evil man bent on social destruction and chaos. He’s not like an evil genius of today where he has some major character flaw or he ultimately wants money or power. Marbuse wants chaos and anarchy. Ordering his men to steal a quarter million Marks worth of gems and jewels in order to buy as many narcotics is one thing. But to also order that the drugs be given away for free to anyone that wants them and thus hooking more of the population is just pure evil.
If you want to own a copy of this great film, pick up the Criterion release. It’s going to be well worth it.
For more info on this film, take a look at:
Bright Lights Film Journal – Dr. Mabuse