As his city is consumed by the plague, the old alchemist, Faust makes a pact with Mephisto that will allow him to heal the sick and will give him back his youth in exchange for his soul.
F.W. Murnau's cinematic adaptation of Faust (1926) is a lavish spectacle of outstanding imagery and operatic performances that is mesmerizing to watch. Every shot is composed with beautiful precision and Emil Jannings as Mephisto delivers a delightfully devilish performance in the many guises of this deceitful trickster. The story becomes heart wrenching as Mephisto leads Faust towards happiness and then undermines it at every turn, corrupting everyone who crosses their path in the process. This is one of the high points of the silent era.
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