The Phantom Carriage (1921)

Bringer Of Funerals · #1 2nd January 2013, 04:56 PM

I have never seen this film but Ive seen the trailer loads of times and to me the trailer looks creepy, and I know this film had an influence on the legendary film director INGMAR BERGMAN. Has anyone seen the film because im curious about the film. I know its silent and have silent films in my collection (Nosferatu, Faust & Metropolis to name a few). What are your thoghts on the film and is it worth looking for

Handyman Joe · #2 2nd January 2013, 05:10 PM

I'd recommend it, although not as a horror movie, more like a gothic twist on A Christmas Carol. The shots of the titular carrage are pretty creepy but only take up a few minutes, most of the film concentrates on the degeneration and redemption of one individual. It's still powerful in its depiction of alcoholism and the sights of skid row and it has a great ending. Commentary and picture on the Criterion are excellent

Sobral · #3 2nd January 2013, 05:12 PM

Saw it yesterday for the first time, a curious coincidence as it takes place during a New Year's Eve, and loved it. Don't know about the influence on Bergman, but I can see it being an influence on Vampyr, for example.
I found it ahead of its time, as most films from that era tend to be quite basic, and this one includes several flashbacks and has a very well structured narrative. I was afraid it would become a little boring, because of its +100mns running time, but that never happened.
Besides that, there are the "special effects", which still look efective today, very nightmare-ish.
Basically, 2 thumbs up from me