Michael's Movie Grade: A
Note: I am reviewing this movie because I just watched it at The Old Town Music Hall, for more information I direct you to this previous post.
Review: What is by many considered to be the first American horror movie, still stands as a fantastic film today.
There is so much that is great about this movie. The characters are very interesting especially Dr. Jekyll himself. The idea that he knows only good, but secretly longs for evil is something quite fascinating. Though he has lived a squeaky clean life at his first temptation he starts to become obsessed with doing evil. Like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, even the knowledge of evil is extremely difficult to resist. He even tries to think of a way to cheat God and sin all he likes without it having any effect on his soul. Naturally the only one he ends up cheating is himself. This is all fascinating and very relatable. The idea of living a sinless life is something many strive for, but sadly even the thought of sin seems very enticing. This makes even Mr. Hyde seem very real and understandable to us, and makes the story seem all the more like a tragedy. The character is even more fascinating due to a fantastic performance by John Barrymore. There is still even much more to recommend here though. The atmosphere is extremely absorbing. The lighting and cinematography is perfect. The movie is just incredible to look at. However this look is perfectly in service to the story being told. It never distracts you from the story but instead pulls you further in.
I must say if you ever get a chance, see this movie in a theater with live musical accompaniment. This is a completely different experience from seeing the movie on TCM or DVD. To feel the horror along with those around you and realize you are sharing this experience with them is amazing. Adding to this is the live music. This pulls you into the movie perfectly. To feel the vibrations beneath your feet and to actually see the musician playing. This all just goes to make this more than watching a movie but a great experience all over. Every movie buff should sometime in their life see a silent movie this way, it is something you will never forget.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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