Prints of Darkness

For centuries, the Devil has been one of our favorite ways to make sense of temptation, corruption, ambition, and the eternal question of just how much we’re willing to sacrifice to get what we want. Lately, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s been getting a little too much work. When power, greed, and selfishness seem to be winning the day, it’s probably a good time to revisit cinema’s original bad influence.

Just in time for the Halloween season (and in celebration of our 35mm run of The Devils), Prints of Darkness: A Century of Devil Cinema looks back at 100 years of movie demons, infernal bargains, possessions, and portrayals of Lucifer himself. From the early occult spectacle of Häxan and the Faustian comedy of Heaven Can Wait (1943), to the nightmares of Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and The Omen, the Devil has taken many forms and filmmakers have rarely resisted giving him the last word.

At the center of our cinematic pentacle is a centennial presentation of F.W. Murnau’s Faust featuring a live score performance by the Invincible Czars, but there’s more Mephistophelian fun along the way, including The Devil’s Advocate, Constantine, Angel Heart, Legend, Disney’s Fantasia, and more. Whether you consider this program a warning, a film history lesson, or simply a thoroughly enjoyable descent into damnation, one thing’s for certain, the Devil will certainly show you a good time…at first. 

PLUS: take our class running in tandem with this series to further explore their themes and form! The class pass gets you access to each Tuesday night screening in the series, plus pre– and post-film discussions.