Of much cinematic importance and influence, particularly with regard to monsters in film, Der Golem is not only an extremely well made film but a clear influence upon the development of the Frankenstein monster and much of Universal Studios 1930s output. Having said that, although the sets are stunning and the staging quite remarkable it is basically a simple enough story with limited action, apart from a limp love element and the prancing and grimacing (or is that grinning?) of the creature. The relgiopolitical elements hang heavily over the Jewish folk story and at times it is difficult to remain within the intended innocence of the tale and simply enjoy the tale being told. The ending doesn't help in keeping the tale grounded and the depiction of the Rabbi as a practiser of Black Magic problematic but perhaps watched with half closed eyes (with them fully open for the marvellous ghetto construction) the film can garner the appreciation it no doubt deserves.
Review of The Golem
