I watched Dr. Mabuse again after about 10 years. I hadn't remembered much of it, except the extraordinary sets. To put this review in perspective, I have hundreds of silents. I find that, with few exceptions, pre-1925 films are not as good as 1925+. But I respect the work gone into them, and am not turned off by the crudity of most. That said, I found the sets, acting, and cinematography to be excellent. However, the screen play was more than absurd, it was downright ludacris. Mabuse needlessly complicated every action. And with his powers, he could have attained domination without a single plot line. Anyone with a keen eye could have seen though his disguises; his eyes and build never changed. That makes his opponent pretty dense. Mabuse's minions were limited to a sorry lot. One would think he could command armies if he desired. The pace was glacial; at best it is a 2-hour film. The editing left much to be desired. Flipping between stories was not well done. It left me wondering what was going on.
Apparently, other film makers watched the film with interest. The gun battle in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1936) seems a direct copy. The woman's bed could have influenced Phantom of the Opera (1925). And, of course, all the Bond villains.
All together, Mabuse is a striking, innovative film that misses the mark.
Apparently, other film makers watched the film with interest. The gun battle in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1936) seems a direct copy. The woman's bed could have influenced Phantom of the Opera (1925). And, of course, all the Bond villains.
All together, Mabuse is a striking, innovative film that misses the mark.
