"The Persisting Alliance Between Hollywood and the Devilish Pact: An Explanation"
In the realm of cinema, the Faust legend continues to captivate audiences with its intriguing narrative of power, morality, and the supernatural. This enduring tale, which has been repeatedly retold and adapted, has left a profound impact on Western culture, comparable to works from Shakespeare and stories like "Sherlock Holmes."
The Faust legend, as depicted in Murnau's film, involves a faithful alchemist who makes a deal with the demon Mephisto, giving up his faith in exchange for the power to help an infirm village. This theme of striking a deal with demons has roots in pre-Islamic Arabic traditions and Christian theology, as evidenced by the 15th century German Catholic theological text on demonology, the "Malleus Maleficarum."
Murnau's "Faust" (1926), a film adaptation of the Faust legend, is considered one of the greatest silent films ever made. It has a significant legacy in cinema, influencing subsequent silent cinema, including American cinema, as well as modern directors like Robert Eggers, director of "Nosferatu." Eggers has testified to the ways in which "Faust" has influenced him as a director.
The devil can promise money or fame in Faustian stories, and this theme is evident in films such as "Him," a horror film produced by Jordan Peele, set to be released on Friday. In "Him," an aspiring professional football player, Cameron Cade, is invited to train at a secluded compound but realizes he is being asked to make a Faustian bargain.
The idea of a Faustian bargain is not limited to the realm of horror. "Damn Yankees," a 1958 film, is an adaptation of a Bob Fosse-choreographed Broadway show and is another Faustian film set against the backdrop of sports.
Faustian stories in cinema span place, decade, and genre. For instance, Keanu Reeves' "Constantine," Brendan Fraser's "Bedazzled," and the musical comedy "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny" are all examples of Faustian tales in cinema.
The period around the Reformation was a "golden age" for possession, exorcism, and witch-hunting in Europe, which set the stage for the Faust legend to materialize. Today, the devil's offer never goes out of style, as depicted in films set in Hollywood.
The Faust legend, as depicted in the film "Him," is interpreted by Julia Fox, who plays White's wife in the movie, as a metaphor for compromising one's morals and values for a paycheck. This modern interpretation underscores the timeless relevance of the Faust legend in our contemporary society.
The Associated Press religion coverage receives support through its collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. This collaboration ensures that the coverage remains accurate and informed, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Faust legend and its impact on cinema.
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