Portrait

Portret (1915)

*** (out of 4)

A man buys a fancy piece of art to hang on his wall but he soon regrets the decision. That night he is haunted by the man from the painting coming to life but he wakes up. At first he thinks it was all a dream....

This Russian film from director Wladyslaw Starewicz isn't the greatest movie from this era but if your'e a fan of silent cinema then you should enjoy it. This type of "portrait comes to life" film was done countless times as trick films and Georges Melies was a master at it. This one here is played more as a straight thriller/horror film and for the most part it's entertaining enough throughout its short running time. The direction was quite good and the two actors do a fine job in their roles.

It is so...Russsian. It is the first conclusion, based not only to the status of adaptation of Gogol work but for entire atmosphere. Good performances, nice atmosphere and the fair music. A film about nightmare, a not inspired investition, a young man haunted by the man from a painting and something reminding not the Gothic literature but just Russian image of irationality.