Faust (1926)

Directed by F.W. Murnau Live piano accompaniment by Larry Garf • Introduction and discussion with Rich Procter

One of the towering achievements of silent cinema, Faust (1926) is director F.W. Murnau’s visionary adaptation of Goethe’s classic tale of ambition, temptation, and redemption. Combining the grandeur of German Expressionism with a deeply human story, the film follows the scholar Faust as he makes a fateful bargain with Mephisto, trading his soul for youth, power, and passion. Murnau’s Faust remains a visual marvel—filled with sweeping camera movements, intricate set design, and striking use of light and shadow. Its imagery influenced generations of filmmakers, from Hitchcock to Bergman, and stands among the most haunting depictions of good and evil ever captured on film. At Sierra Madre Playhouse, this masterpiece comes alive once again through live piano accompaniment by Larry Garf, whose score underscores every flicker of beauty and despair. Writer and humorist Rich Procter will introduce the film and lead a post-show discussion exploring Murnau’s artistry, the legacy of Expressionist cinema, and why Faust continues to fascinate nearly a century later. An unforgettable evening of music, conversation, and film — where silent cinema speaks louder than ever.

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