Doctor Faustus (1968)

An Actor's Conviction and a Character's Consistency

I've always been a fan of Richard Burton. He was a powerful actor and a fascinating personality. His voice elevates whatever he speaks, whether it's Hamlet or a guest shot on "The Fall Guy." He was a man conflicted about everything in his life, battling the bottle and then everything else with the bottle. He went from a poor Welsh upbringing to starring in the biggest movie ever made (CLEOPATRA) and in love with the glamorous star in the world (Elizabeth Taylor).

So you would think that a man who appears to have made a Faustian bargain in his personal life would be perfect in a film of that legend...but I found the character inconsistent and it disrupted the movie as well.

As powerful as Burton can be, roaring and raging his way through the highs and lows of wisdom and damnation, I couldn't follow his character arc and wondered at times where he was going with this.

Best example: Burton's invisible Faustus ridicules and torments a meeting of the Pope and his underlings (these terribly officious members of the clergy are made up so pale that they appear--and are played--as clowns). Considering Burton's feelings about faith and the church, this is a pretty accurate portrayal of the actor's beliefs...but I wondered what this had to do with the lofty goals of Faustus once he'd made his deal with the devil.

But maybe Burton's take on the Faust legend has more to do with Burton than Faust: the actor runs through the character the way the actor ran through his life, living in high style, drinking and partying to an early grave, marrying glamor queens. His wife at the time, Elizabeth Taylor, wanders through the film without ever saying a word as Burton/Faust stares with desire and trepidation. (If Faustus was really dragged into Hell, why would it be by a green Elizabeth Talyor and not some ugly and repellent witch?).

I'd be curious to see how the actual stage play read compared to the film. If you're a fan of Burton and Taylor, you might stay interested. Burton certainly has some great moments but you get a little tired of the same music that plays every time Liz walks through. May 5, 2008

"Now Faustus What Would Thou Hast We Do?" ~ At What Cost Wisdom

`Doctor Faustus', the '68 re-visioning of the Faustus/Mephistophelian Mythos produced, directed and starring Richard Burton is somewhat of a mixed bag, moving from immensely satisfying to plodding and back again. Burton is perfect as Doctor John Faustus, the ultimate Renaissance man whose thirst for knowledge takes him beyond the confines of conventional wisdom into the forbidden mysteries which can only be accessed by a pact with the Devil in exchange for a human soul. This is the role he was was born to play, plummeting the depths of the psyche and all the angst that goes with it has always been what he does best.

Andreas Teuber's portrayal of Mephistopheles is the perfect counterbalance to the histrionic Faustus. Disturbingly quiet, attentive and thoughtful his demonic persona wavers subtly between melancholy and malignant. It's amazing how his expressionless face can at the same time be so expressive.

While the story is classic, the visuals at times hypnotic and Burton and Teuber superb, I found the presence of Elizabeth Taylor distracting and an unnecessary addition to the film. Aware of Richard and Liz's highly publicized love/hate relationship made her inclusion as his otherworldly lover a parody of their off-screen antics and detracted from the intended mood and mystery of the film. Fortunately this shortcoming may no longer apply to a younger generation unfamiliar with their off again on again romance.

All and all an enjoyable thought provoking film for the Faustus in all of us. February 10, 2008

Surreal and unusually interesting...

The first 30 minutes of this movie, I could do without. It only gets interesting once Faustus makes a deal with the devil and becomes young again. He babbles a lot of nonsense but it's okay, because Richard Burton shows his true acting chops here and makes it all convincing. Elizabeth Taylor plays a beautiful woman in many forms who seduces him and seals his fate to an eternity in Hell. The sets are simple but beautiful; it's all very surreal. The acting by Burton is great and incomparable. The only sound we hear from Taylor is her laughter at the end as she brings Burton's character down to Hell. All in all, not a bad movie, but it's not for everyone. October 3, 2007

too dark

I found this to be much darker and made the images not as clear as they should have been October 2, 2007

"Tell me, Faustus, shall I have thy soul?"

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This movie is based on the play "The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus" (1588) by Christopher Marlowe (1564 to 1593).

The movie begins with the printed word:

"A tragic legend written down in the sixteenth century wherein a learned scientist honored with the laurels of his university, sold his soul to the devil for still greater knowledge and power in the unknown."

This brief introduction also summarizes the entire movie (except for the ending).

Dr. Faustus (the legendary Richard Burton, 1925 to 1984) actually signs a contract in his own blood with Mephistopheles (a disciple of the devil played by Andreas Teuber) present (and who asks the question that titles this review). Faustus is unsure of his decision but quickly adapts to his new life gaining not only power but other delights including the satisfaction of his lust for Helen of Troy (Elizabeth Taylor), "the face that launch'd a thousand ships." Besides he is told that,

"In Hell is all manner of delight."

But when Faustus begins to strongly regret his decision, it's too late and he has nothing to look forward too but "eternal damnation."

This movie is a tour de force for Richard Burton (who also co-directed and co-produced). The almost Shakespearean dialogue flows off his tongue and his acting as Dr. Faustus is superb. I sensed that he was really enjoying this role.

Surprisingly, Andreas Teuber who plays Mephistopheles (this was his first major movie role) also gives a convincing performance as the devil's assistant.

Be aware that Elizabeth Taylor as Helen has no speaking parts in this movie. At the end, she laughs wickedly.

The scenery and costumes were, I felt, fantastic. All filming took place in Rome. The background music adds to each scene.

A note on the language. Above I said it was "almost Shakespearean." This is because I find that Marlowe's language is not nearly as difficult to understand as Shakespeare's. However, I still recommend turning on the English subtitles. (Those viewers who are used to Elizabethan language should easily understand this movie.)

I should mention that this movie was put down by critics when it first came out. For myself, I can't understand why. This movie stayed with me long after I finished watching it (mainly due to Richard Burton's performance).

Finally, the DVD itself (the one released in 2004) is perfect in picture and sound quality. It has no significant extras.

In conclusion, in my opinion, this movie brings Christopher Marlow's classic play to life! By the end of it you will definitely know that

"the reward of sin is death."

(1967; 90 min; wide screen; 28 scenes)

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August 21, 2007

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