The 1910s witnessed the birth of horror as a genre, where directors and storytellers ventured into the realms of the supernatural, the psychological, and the macabre. These films, characterized by their innovative use of cinematography, special effects, and narrative techniques, laid the groundwork for what would become a popular and diverse genre. As we revisit these pioneering works, we witness the foundation of cinematic horror being built, one frame at a time. Join us as we traverse through shadowy landscapes, encounter ominous characters, and confront the fears and anxieties of a bygone era that still resonate with audiences today. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best horror films of the 1910s.
10. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Lucius Henderson (1912)
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” directed by Lucius Henderson, tells the harrowing tale of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected and dedicated scientist who begins a perilous experiment with a revolutionary serum that unleashes his malevolent alter ego, Mr. Hyde. With each dose, Dr. Jekyll undergoes a horrifying transformation, bringing to life a darker, more sinister version of himself, leading to a series of increasingly terrifying events that spiral out of control. As Dr. Jekyll struggles with his dual identity, the film explores themes of human nature and the internal battle between good and evil. The contrast between Jekyll’s respectable demeanor and Hyde’s monstrous persona is strikingly portrayed, with the transformation scenes being particularly noteworthy for the time.
The film’s impact on the horror genre is significant, setting a precedent for future explorations of dual personalities in cinema. Henderson’s direction creates a tense and foreboding atmosphere, where each scene is filled with suspense and a sense of impending doom. The black and white cinematography further amplifies this sense of dread, casting ominous shadows and creating a visual contrast that mirrors the protagonist’s internal conflict. The performance of the lead actor, who portrays both Jekyll and Hyde, is remarkable for its time, depicting the two contrasting characters with convincing fervor and a remarkable range of emotions.
9. Andalusian Superstition – Segundo de Chomón (1912)
Segundo de Chomón’s “Andalusian Superstition” is a groundbreaking piece in the horror genre, telling a narrative steeped in folklore and fear. Set in the picturesque rural Andalusia, the film follows a series of mysterious and unexplainable events that befall a small village, that are believed to be caused by ancient curses and deeply-rooted superstitions. As these strange occurrences intensify, the villagers’ descent into paranoia and hysteria is masterfully depicted, as they confront the unknown forces that seem to disrupt their lives. Chomón’s use of early special effects adds a surreal and haunting quality to the film, enhancing its eerie atmosphere.
The film’s exploration of fear and superstition resonates deeply, capturing the essence of primal human anxieties in a raw and visceral manner. Chomón’s innovative techniques in visual storytelling, including the use of shadows and light, contribute significantly to the film’s enduring legacy in the horror genre. These visual effects create a sense of foreboding and unease that lingers with the viewer. The performances are expertly grounded in realism, making the supernatural elements appear even more unsettling. “Andalusian Superstition” showcases how early cinema can evoke emotion and suspense, solidifying its place as one of the best horror films of the 1910s.
8. The Plague in Florence – Otto Rippert (1919)
In “The Plague in Florence,” directed by the visionary Otto Rippert, the historic city of Florence is ravaged by a devastating plague in the 14th century. The film focuses a group of affluent aristocrats who, in a desperate attempt to evade the clutches of the deadly outbreak, isolate themselves in a luxurious mansion. Once inside, they indulge in an array of decadent pleasures, blissfully unaware and indifferent to the unspeakable horror and despair that lurks just outside their doors. Rippert’s film is a visual feast for the eyes, with elaborate costumes and set designs that bring the era to life, while simultaneously highlighting the jarring contrast between the mansion and the desolate despair outside its walls.
Rippert’s direction in this film is a captivating blend of historical drama and haunting horror elements. His keen eye for detail and atmosphere is evident throughout the film. The contrast between the aristocrats’ lavish, carefree lifestyle and the grim, dire reality of the plague-stricken city outside is strikingly presented. The cinematography masterfully captures the somber mood of the era, with dark, shadowy scenes that significantly contribute to the film’s ominous and foreboding tone. “The Plague in Florence” is a profound commentary on human nature, specifically focusing on the moral consequences of turning a blind eye to the suffering of others.
7. Frankenstein – J. Searle Dawley (1910)
J. Searle Dawley’s adaptation of “Frankenstein” is a pioneering interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic and timeless novel. The film follows the ambitious young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, as he embarks on a groundbreaking yet perilous venture to create a living being from lifeless matter. His initial success is quickly overshadowed by a growing sense of dread, as his triumph rapidly transforms into terror upon the realization of the dire consequences of his actions. This early cinematic version of Frankenstein’s monster is presented in a way that is both deeply unsettling and tragic, reflecting the era’s fascination with the developing field of science and the potential dangers lurking within its advancements.
Dawley’s “Frankenstein” stands as a significant milestone in the evolution of the horror genre, showcasing early special effects and innovative storytelling techniques that were far ahead of their time. The film’s atmosphere is carefully crafted to be eerie and suspenseful, capturing the viewer’s imagination from the very beginning. The portrayal of the monster is a standout aspect of the film, evoking a complex mix of sympathy and fear from the audience. “Frankenstein” is celebrated not only for its horror elements but also for its exploration of the ethical dilemmas inherent in scientific discovery and experimentation, making it one of the best horror films of the 1910s.
6. Portrait – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1915)
In “Portrait,” a film by Wladyslaw Starewicz, we witness an artist who finds himself haunted by a mysterious portrait he is compelled to paint, one that eerily begins to assume a life of its own. As the painting evolves, this supernatural phenomenon challenges his grasp on reality, as the once-clear boundaries between art and life begin to blur. The film explores themes of obsession and the supernatural, with Starewicz’s pioneering stop-motion animation adding a uniquely eerie and unsettling dimension to the story. Throughout the film, the artist’s intense struggle with his creation becomes a powerful metaphor for the broader human struggle with the uncontrollable forces of nature and the complexities of the mind.
Starewicz’s innovative use of animation enhances the film’s atmosphere, making it more eerie and otherworldly, heightened by the surreal quality of the animated portrait, which becomes increasingly unsettling as the story progresses. Starewicz’s combination of live-action and animation not only showcases his technical prowess but also creates a hauntingly beautiful cinematic experience. This unique amalgamation of art forms enhances the film’s exploration of the artist’s psyche, making it a pioneering work of cinematic horror. Coupled with its groundbreaking visual effects, “Portrait” stands out as a memorable and influential piece in the history of horror cinema.
5. The Golem – Henrik Galeen, Paul Wegener (1915)
“The Golem,” directed by Henrik Galeen and Paul Wegener, takes place in the atmospheric setting of an ancient Jewish ghetto in Prague. The story revolves around a wise and venerable rabbi who, in a bold and desperate effort to protect his people from relentless persecution, creates a giant clay creature known as the Golem. As the Golem is brought to life through mystical and ancient rituals, it initially serves its intended purpose as a guardian, but soon begins to evolve beyond its creator’s control, hinting at a deeper, more uncontrollable nature. This classic narrative explores themes of creation, control, and the unforeseen consequences of wielding immense power.
Galeen and Wegener’s “The Golem” is a landmark film in the horror genre, renowned for its distinctive style and atmospheric storytelling that immerses the viewer in its world. The set design, characterized by its distorted and exaggerated architecture, contributes to a pervasive sense of unease and otherworldliness, enhancing the film’s haunting ambiance. The portrayal of the Golem, both in its formidable physicality and the range of emotions it induces, stands as a striking example of the visual storytelling of the era. “The Golem” prompts profound reflection on the moral implications of power and the responsibility that accompanies the act of creation, making it one of the best horror films of the 1910s.
4. After Death – Yevgeni Bauer (1915)
Yevgeni Bauer’s “After Death” is a film that brings together the themes of love, loss, and the supernatural into a haunting and compelling narrative. It tells the story of Andrei, a reclusive and introspective scholar, who becomes infatuated with the actress Zoya, following a chance encounter during a brief visit to the theater. Tragically, Zoya takes her own life, plunging Andrei into a profound state of sorrow and leading to a series of spectral encounters that blur the lines between the living and the dead. Bauer’s film is a visual masterpiece, using innovative cinematography techniques to create a melancholic and ghostly atmosphere that encapsulates Andrei’s growing obsession and grief.
Bauer’s direction in “After Death” is a testament to his exceptional skill in evoking a wide range of emotions through visual storytelling. The film’s deliberate use of shadow and light plays a critical role in depicting the ethereal and almost tangible connection between Andrei and Zoya, lending a dreamlike quality to their interactions. The performances throughout the film are subdued yet undeniably powerful, perfectly capturing the film’s somber tone. “After Death” is not only a compelling and haunting story of unrequited love but also stands as a pioneering work in the psychological horror genre, exploring themes of obsession, the profound sense of loneliness, and the mysterious nature of the afterlife.
3. Satan’s Rhapsody – Nino Oxilia (1917)
“Satan’s Rhapsody,” directed by Nino Oxilia, tells an alluring tale of temptation and desire, filled with a sense of mystical allure. The film focuses on the life of a wealthy but aging duchess, who, driven by a yearning for her lost youth and beauty, strikes a Faustian bargain with the devil himself. As she immerses herself in her newfound vitality, she finds herself increasingly entangled in a complex web of deceit and manipulation, which spirals beyond her control. Oxilia creates a visually stunning and captivating narrative, using early special effects to create a world that is both surreal and dreamlike, where morality and temptation collides.
Oxilia’s film stands out for its artistic flair and its deep exploration of themes such as vanity, the corrupting influence of power, and the realm of the supernatural. The depiction of the duchess, portrayed in both her aging state and as her rejuvenated self, offers a thought-provoking study in contrasts, highlighting the transient nature of beauty and the desperation it can incite. The devil adds a complex layer of depth to the story, making him a captivating antagonist. “Satan’s Rhapsody” stands as one of the best horror films of the 1910s, showcasing a unique blend of Gothic horror elements and romantic drama.
2. Suspense. – Phillips Smalley, Lois Weber (1913)
“Suspense,” directed by the duo Phillips Smalley and Lois Weber, is a nerve-wracking tale of a woman and her baby, who find themselves alone in an isolated house with their sense of safety shattered when a mysterious tramp uncovers their location. The film uses split-screen techniques to simultaneously show the husband’s desperate race against time to rescue his family and the tramp’s sinister approach. This pioneering use of phone communication in the film significantly adds to the tension, illustrating the wife’s escalating panic as she desperately calls for help in a race against time. Smalley and Weber’s innovative direction and their use of suspenseful storytelling techniques make this short film a groundbreaking and influential work in the horror genre.
The film’s technical ingenuity is matched by its ability to build and sustain an atmosphere of nail-biting tension. The split-screen technique, an innovative approach at the time, heightens the urgency and terror of the unfolding situation, masterfully conveying the simultaneous events in a way that is both visually engaging and emotionally impactful. The performances throughout the film are deeply engaging, with the portrayal of the wife’s escalating terror being particularly gripping. “Suspense” is celebrated for its enduring influence on the language and techniques of cinematic suspense and horror, paving the way for future advancements in the genre.
1. Dante’s Inferno – Giuseppe de Liguoro, Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan (1911)
“Dante’s Inferno,” directed by the trio of Giuseppe de Liguoro, Francesco Bertolini, and Adolfo Padovan, is an ambitious and masterful adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem. This film takes its audience on an immersive journey through the nine circles of Hell, following the poet Dante and his wise guide, Virgil. Each circle is depicted with an eye for detail and a sense of grandeur, with the damned souls and the landscapes they inhabit being brought to life with groundbreaking special effects, which were incredibly advanced for their time. This cinematic version of the Inferno transcends the traditional boundaries of a horror film, evolving into a visual exploration of the allegorical and moral themes present in Dante’s original work.
The directors’ collective vision in bringing “Dante’s Inferno” to the screen is nothing short of monumental, especially when considering the technological and practical limitations of early 20th-century filmmaking. The elaborate sets and costumes work together to create a compelling and nightmarish vision of Hell, capturing the essence of Dante’s work. The film’s remarkable ability to visually interpret and convey the complex layers of Dante’s poem is a powerful testament to the directors’ immense creativity and skill. “Dante’s Inferno” stands as one of the best horror films of the 1910s, notable for its artistic ambition and its role in pioneering visual techniques and styles that would be used in cinema for many decades to come.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best horror films of the 1910s:
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Lucius Henderson (1912)
- Andalusian Superstition – Segundo de Chomón (1912)
- The Plague in Florence – Otto Rippert (1919)
- Frankenstein – J. Searle Dawley (1910)
- Portrait – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1915)
- The Golem – Henrik Galeen, Paul Wegener (1915)
- After Death – Yevgeni Bauer (1915)
- Satan’s Rhapsody – Nino Oxilia (1917)
- Suspense. – Phillips Smalley, Lois Weber (1913)
- Dante’s Inferno – Giuseppe de Liguoro, Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan (1911)
