The Golem

Critical Perspective

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  Still impressive, the grandeur of Der Golem made a considerable impact on release and, along with spectaculars like Ernst Lubitsch’s Madame DuBarry, it may well have been an inspiration for Universal’s mega-production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which followed in 1922. … [Hans] Poelzig’s Expressionist settings, beautifully photographed by Karl Freund, manage to be at once twisted and dreamlike yet practical and livable in, in sharp contrast to the jagged abstractions of Caligari. As a result the film creates an entirely convincing impression of time and place without recourse to ‘cast of thousands’ Hollywood pomposity. … The wonder of [Paul] Wegener’s performance is the granite sort of wit that he brings to this monolithic figure; he’s so completely confident in his effects that he can apply absurd humour to the role within seconds of first appearing. … Wegener also excels in conveying the creature’s gradual softening into tenderness and finally grief when he comprehends his non-human origin; [providing] a model for Universal’s future Frankenstein pictures … And when the Golem fulfils the destiny laid down for him…we’re given a slam-bang finale that future scenes of monster mayhem would emulate a thousand times over. … Wegener’s Golem is a sight to behold.