Annie and Kelley start our folk horror series, discussing: Häxan, Hitchcock, witchcraft, cinema, feminism, history, film analysis, societal critique, silent film, horror, witchcraft, horror cinema, mental illness, cultural critique, historical context, audience reactions, devil depiction, torture, superstition, Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, Wickerman, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Oz Perkins.
Show Notes
- The conversation begins with a discussion about Hitchcock's influence on cinema and personal experiences with his films.
- Annie shares insights on a biopic about Hitchcock, emphasizing the contributions of his wife, Alma Reville, and the production of Psycho (1960).
- The discussion transitions to the film Häxan (1922), exploring its historical context and significance in cinema.
- Häxan, written and directed by Benjamin Christensen, is noted for its innovative blend of documentary and dramatized narrative, focusing on witchcraft.
- The film's critical stance on witch hunts reflects societal anxieties post-World War I.
- Annie and Kelley analyze the technical innovations in Häxan, comparing it to modern films.
- The conversation touches on the feminist angles present in Häxan and its critique of societal norms.
- The film's portrayal of witchcraft is linked to themes of mental illness and societal fear.
- The discussion includes reflections on the pacing and structure of Häxan, noting its demands on the viewer.
- The conversation concludes with a deeper analysis of the societal implications of witchcraft accusations as depicted in Häxan.
- Häxan explores the depiction of the devil in a campy yet serious manner.
- Corruption within the clergy is a recurring theme in the film.
- Historical torture methods are demonstrated, with simulations with actors showing how torture devices would have been used.
- The portrayal of the devil in Häxan has influenced more recent depictions in media.
- The film critiques the treatment of women historically and in contemporary society.
- There are parallels drawn between witchcraft accusations and mental health diagnoses.
- The film's legacy has influenced contemporary horror cinema, particularly the folk horror subgenre.
- The conversation goes into Christensen’s somewhat flattened depiction of the Middle Ages, drawing a parallel to Foucault's depiction of the period, which has been critiqued by medievalists.
Summary
The conversation explores the legacy of Alfred Hitchcock and transitions into a detailed analysis of the Swedish-Danish silent film Häxan (1922), directed by Benjamin Christensen (1879–1959). The discussion highlights the film's innovative techniques, its historical context regarding witchcraft, and its feminist undertones. The hosts reflect on the societal implications of witchcraft accusations and the film's critique of superstition, drawing parallels to modern societal fears. The conversation delves into the film, exploring its themes of witchcraft, the depiction of the devil, and the historical context of mental illness. They discuss whether the film flattens out its depiction of the Middle Ages, mentioning critiques of Foucault similarly characterizing the period as a particularly brutal precursor to early modern forms of punishment. The hosts discuss the film's critique of clergy corruption, its portrayals of torture, and audience reactions to horror. They also examine the cultural impact of Häxan on contemporary horror...
