This blog entry is part of my “movie year countdown”. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.
La Chute de la maison Usher (The Fall of the House of Usher)
I ran across this one as I was making my list for my "movie year countdown". Was doing a search of movies that came out in 1928, and hadn't heard of this one before. Director Jean Epstein appears to be a notible figure in the film world during the 20s.
From what I remember, the original Poe story didn't have too much in the way of intricate plot. Like probably most of his more famous stories, it's more based on the mood and imagery he creates. The film likewise is not too concerned with keeping a straight narrative but presenting some creepy and supernatural imagery. Spooky pictures, double exposures, candles, coffins, stuff like that. It may also be notable to mention that Luis Buñuel was listed as co-writer and assistant director.
I honestly can't remember why I didn't rate this film higher. I guess the fact that I can't remember means that there wasn't anything about it that really stood out enough to interest me. At the same time I can't really dissuade anyone from checking it out. It's probably worth seeing if you have some interest in the silent film era and mood pieces like this. But it wasn't stunning enough to make me want to seek out more from Epstein.
Rating: 6/10