Doctor Mabuse (2013) Reviews

• A Mesmerizing Journey into the Dark World of the Subconscious

  douggonitt2013-05-13

  Young Ansel Faraj certainly knows his stuff -- and it shows in this unique, viscerally engaging film, a masterful blend of hypnotic visual style and writing rich in enough subconscious imagery and archetypes to make even Karl Jung drool. As sole writer, director, and editor, the work is entirely this 21-year-old's own creation, crafted on a shoestring budget on a tiny set located in his aunt's back yard -- a feat made all the more impressive when one considers the sheer expanse and detail present in its visual landscape. It makes you wonder -- if he could accomplish this much with so little, what could he do with major studio backing? Faraj takes us on a trip into his dark dream world Metropolis, populated by an assortment of classic noir characters slowly driven mad by the seemingly omniscient, all-powerful evil hypnotist Mabuse (excellently portrayed by Jerry Lacy). While some of the character names and references will be recognized by fans of director Fritz Lang's classic serial of the same name, this is truly an original work. The dialogue, narrative and cinematography all blend effortlessly to make you feel like you, the viewer, are having a dream, and a very scary one at that. Mabuse has mastered the hypnotic arts to such a degree that the entire world is at his disposal. He can control people remotely, assume different forms, and know your next move before you do. So what's to stop the guy who has everything? The possibility that others might unearth your secrets? The film ends with much left to scrutinize, much to look forward to in its sequel, due out next summer. Fans of the 1960s television series "Dark Shadows" will be delighted by this picture, as it not only assembles most of the surviving cast, it provides a fitting homage through dialogue, music and suspense very characteristic of the original show, so succinctly presented that it could teach even Tim Burton a thing or two!

• Low Budget? So what? It's terrific!

  davidn19562013-04-30

  No doubt there will be people who put this film down because of it's ultra-low budget. They would be wrong. Doctor Mabuse's writer/director, Ansel Faraj, is only 21 years old. His cast includes 3 stars of Dark Shadows, one of his (and my)favorite TV shows. The film is a bizarre noir thriller with supernatural overtones. The shoestring budget cannot hide the maturity in the writing, or the strong performances by Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, Nathan Wilson and especially Jerry Lacy in the title role. Doctor Mabuse has power over mind and matter. He's attempting to take over a large, unnamed city. Wilson is the tormented police inspector out to stop him. Suffice it to say that their are moments in their battle of wills that made my skin crawl. What Faraj has accomplished, at such a young age, and with such limited resources, is extraordinary.

• Thumbs Up

  tangerinatruffle2013-05-23

  This film merged old school acting techniques with new film making! Strong characters, great script and an amazing score are among the best features of this film. Ansel shows that with determination and a strong cast - his ideas can come alive even on a limited budget. Favorites in the film are Jerry Lacy and the late Linden Chiles with effortless, natural performances by both that only comes from years of experience. Strong supporting roles by David Graham, Julian Grant and John C. Smith. Slow dialogue exchanges between Nathan Wilson and Bahia Garrigan made for lengthy scenes, I had wished for quicker delivery. Though the two had moments that showcased their talents. A lot going on in this film both visually and within the plot. The film was easy to follow, script was well written and there were no loop holes for me. Climax scene between Lacy and Wilson was very well done. I enjoyed the film; that being said I would have enjoyed it more and given it a better rating if the dialogue pace during some of the scene had not been so slow (lengthy). Thumbs up to Ansel for directing a terrific cast of all ages. He really showed his professionalism with this film. People don't realize he does EVERYTHING on his projects: writes, produces, edits, visual effects, casts, edits again, directs, cameraman, edits again and delivers each film from his soul! 21 years old! Most 21 year old's are in college trying to find a major or are on the beach surfing all morning. Ansel eats, sleeps, drinks and breathes movies. Its in his DNA and in this film it shows. He should be proud.

• A delight for the senses, a feast for the mind

  dmontgom-673-1613462013-04-30

  Director/Writer/Producer/Editor Ansel Faraj has created a stunning film that shows sources he loves which have influenced him: German expressionism, film noir, Dark Shadows, Doctor Who, and Star Trek, and blends them into something uniquely his own. Viewers are transported into a dreamlike world in an unnamed city of a period around the 1930s, where Doctor Mabuse (in one of Jerry Lacy's finest performances) ruthlessly uses his formidable supernatural powers in his effort to take over the city, letting no one stand in his way. Nathan Wilson is superb as Inspector Carl Lohemann, the young police inspector who opposes him. Linden Chiles, from Hitchcock's Marnie (1964), has a key role as Inspector Norbert Von Wenk. And Kathryn Leigh Scott and Lara Parker are together again, for the first time in over 40 years, as the regal and mysterious clairvoyant sisters, Madame Von Harbau and Madame Carrozza. Lara regales us with peals of her unmistakable laughter, and just wait till you see what Ansel does with her eyes, which are only one of various psychedelic effects you will see in the film! The mood of the film is further enhanced by the memorable score by Bill Wandel, which is reminiscent of Bernard Hermann's score for "Vertigo". Although there is a breathtaking conclusion, the film ends on a cliffhanger, promising another installment to come. And don't leave your seats immediately, because just after the credits you will see one of the best scenes in the film! I left the theater feeling I was fortunate enough to be present at the dawn of a brilliant career.

• Hello world, may I introduce the future Spielberg, Ansel Faraj

  lillibunny2013-04-30

  At my age, I can't get a camera to work correctly, and then made to feel more foolish when I see the awesome work of 21-year-old Ansel Faraj and what he has captured on film. There is an old soul in that body. On such a limited budget, it's amazing how much he has packed into the plus an hour-and-a half movie. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that there is so much mystery and uncertainty in the film that it keeps you guessing all through it. Stay after the credits to see the last, and my favorite, scene in the film. Kudos to Jerry Lacy for bringing so much evil into the title role. He is outstanding in the role of Dr. Mabuse. Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott added to the star power of the movie, as well as old-timer, Linden Chiles.