Cast
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Harry Baur
as L'empereur Rodolphe II, roi de Bohème
Charles Dorat
as Le rabbin Jacob
Jany Holt
as Rachel
Germaine Aussey
as La comtesse Strada
Roger Karl
as Le chancelier Lang
Roger Duchesne
as Trignac
Raymond Aimos
as Toussaint
Gaston Jacquet
as Friedrich, le chef de la police
Truda Grosslichtová
as Madame Benoit
Ferdinand Hart
as Le golem
Ernst Reicher
as
Alfred Baštýř
as Le cardinal
Julien Carette
as
Marcel Dalio
as
František Jerhot
as Pacholek
Crew
Director
- Julien Duvivier
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Golem presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Julien Duvivier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1936, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Golem took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 393 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2322 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Golem shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Madea's Family Reunion, which focuses more on action than character development, The Golem offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Bang Bang You're Dead and Múdra princezná explore similar territory, The Golem stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 6, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 36m
