The Hands of Orlac (1924)

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HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2021

Director: Robert Wiene

Writers: Louis Nerz, from a novel by Maurice Renard

Stars: Conrad Veidt, Alexandra Sorina, Fritz Strassny, Paul Askonas, Carmen Cartellieri, Hans Homma



When the hands of a master pianist (Conrad Veidt) are ruined in a train wreck, he receives transplanted appendages from an executed murderer. 



Unable to play the piano anymore, Orlac sinks into madness as it seems that the hands are driving him to commit murder.

 


The expressionistic set design, exaggerated acting, and evocative modern score often transported me to another reality, but events felt stretched to fill the running time.

 


The filmmakers also made the always disappointing choice to explain away all the film’s mysteries as the product of some very mundane scheming. 



Veidt is very impressive in the lead role.

 


Silent acting can seem silly when viewed in short bursts, but given the chance it can really pull you into a story. 



It is amazing what some actors can accomplish with only their face and body as tools.







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