The Golem

[Foxbat]

A film made in 1920. Directed by Paul Wegener.

Set in Prague in the 16th century, this film tells the story of a community of Jews living within a walled ghetto. The Emperor has decided upon laws which brings about the persecution of the Jewish community – accusing them of a variety of crimes and misdemeanours. The High Rabbi of the community (who also just happens to dabble in the black arts) fashions the Golem out of clay. He calls upon the demon Astoroth to bring his creation to life. He is unaware that Astoroth’s spell has a sting in the tail – eventually the Golem will turn against its master and destroy everything in its path.

The Rabbi demonstrates the power of the Golem to the Emperor and earns a pardon for his people. He quickly deprives the Golem of life before he loses control of the creature. His unwitting assistant, however, restores its life and the rampage begins.

The sets of this film were created by Hans Poelzig and are fabulous – jutting angles, spirals, bent and twisted buildings. The cinematography suffers a little from over exposure in the scenes filmed in bright sunlight but, apart from that, this is a decent transfer considering its age.

The Golem itself is clearly an influence on Whale’s Frankenstein in 1931 and, not only that, there is a scene between the Golem and a little girl which bears more than a passing resemblance to a scene from Whale’s master horror movie.

This film is a fine work but a little disturbing. I found the portrayal of the Jewish population somewhat uncomfortable – particularly their affiliation with the Black Arts.
There is a moment in the film where the Rabbi attempts to show the suffering his people have endured through the ages – only to be met by raucous laughter.

Perhaps this was a feeling prevalent of the time? I really don’t know. It does, however, show that the persecution of the Jews was taking place long before Hitler arrived on the scene.

Definitely worth a watch and quite thought provoking to boot.

And here's a site I've just found on the Legend Of The Golem

http://www.ced.appstate.edu/projects/fifthd/legend.html

[I, Brian]

Here's where the Golem issue was raised at CR:
http://www.comparative-religion.com/...read.php?t=766