Movielogr

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)

Directed by Fritz Lang

Crime | Mystery | Science Fiction

Most recently watched by sensoria

Overview

After a detective is assaulted by thugs and placed in an asylum run by Professor Baum, he observes the professor’s preoccupation with another patient, the criminal genius Dr. Mabuse the hypnotist. When Mabuse’s notes are found to be connected with a rash of recent crimes, Commissioner Lohmann must determine how Mabuse is communicating with the criminals, despite conflicting reports on the doctor’s whereabouts, and capture him for good.

Rated NR | Length 122 minutes

Actors

Rudolf Klein-Rogge | Oscar Beregi Sr. | Camilla Spira | Otto Wernicke | Paul Henckels | Theo Lingen | Rudolf Schündler | Theodor Loos | Karl Meixner | Gustav Diessl | Gerhard Bienert | Josef Dahmen | Georg John | Hans Salcher | Henry Pleß | Paul Bernd | Hadrian Maria Netto | Adolf E. Licho | Wera Liessem | Karl Platen | Paul Rehkopf | Franz Stein | Ludwig Stössel | Eduard Wesener | Bruno Ziener | Heinrich Gotho | Michael von Newlinsky | Anna Goltz | Heinrich Gretler | Klaus Pohl

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Date ViewedDeviceFormatSourceRating
10/20/2021TVStreamingVideo on Demand7.5 stars
 

Viewing Notes

I wouldn’t call this a horror movie but it does have a couple of fantastical moments that are quite haunting. Saw this film listed as one of the best horror movies from the 1930s which is what drew me to watch it (and luckily HBO Max has the Criterion version). I’d always see the Blu at my (old) library and meant to check it out (if fact I did borrow it once but couldn’t find the time to watch). Glad to finally catch up with this now.

I like the story just fine but I love the craft of this movie more. It has this weird tilt-shift thing with the focus and depth of field that gives the entire film a dream-like quality, which really plays into the mystery of Mabuse orchestrating the crimes. Now I want to see the Mabuse the Gambler silent film. But it’s 4.5 hours long?? wow

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