The film's narrative follows Rabbi Loew (played by Albert Steinrück), who, foreseeing danger for his people, creates a Golem (played by Paul Wegener) from clay and animates it using a magical word written on a scroll and placed inside the Golem’s chest. Initially, the Golem serves as a protective force, saving the Jewish community from persecution when the Holy Roman Emperor decrees their expulsion. However, as with many stories involving creations that defy natural law, the Golem eventually becomes uncontrollable, leading to disastrous consequences for both the Jewish ghetto and its inhabitants.
What sets The Golem apart from other films of the time is its striking visual style. German Expressionism was characterized by its use of exaggerated sets, distorted perspectives, and heavy use of shadow and light to reflect inner psychological states. The film’s dark, angular architecture creates a nightmarish atmosphere, and the Golem’s hulking, rigid figure is a perfect embodiment of both the protective and destructive aspects of the legend. The oppressive, medieval setting, combined with the heavy chiaroscuro lighting, creates an eerie mood, reflecting the fear of persecution and the threat of the uncontrollable.
Paul Wegener’s performance as the Golem is both iconic and haunting. His stiff movements and imposing presence convey the creature’s otherworldly nature, while the makeup and costuming highlight his artificiality. The Golem is not merely a monster but a tragic figure, a reflection of mankind’s ambition to control forces beyond its understanding. The character’s inability to fully comprehend or control its own power makes the film as much a philosophical exploration of hubris as it is a horror tale.
Themes of oppression, identity, and creation permeate the film. The Jewish community’s struggle against the looming threat of expulsion mirrors the real-world history of Jewish persecution, while the creation of the Golem can be seen as an allegory for the dangers of attempting to harness powers beyond human comprehension. The Golem’s eventual revolt symbolizes the inherent risks in trying to control forces that should remain untamed, a theme that resonates with many other stories of man-made creatures, from Frankenstein to modern artificial intelligence narratives.
One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the Golem’s design. With his heavy, stone-like physique and expressionless face, the Golem has become a lasting image in horror and fantasy. The set design, with its twisted, exaggerated architecture, enhances the sense of dread and alienation, adding to the film’s expressionist tone. This visual style influenced later filmmakers, most notably in works such as Metropolis (1927) and the Universal monster movies of the 1930s.
The film also stands as an early example of Jewish folklore being brought to the big screen. While the Golem legend had appeared in other literary and artistic forms, this film marked one of the first major cinematic adaptations, giving audiences a glimpse into Jewish mysticism and cultural history.
In conclusion, The Golem: How He Came into the World is a landmark of early cinema that combines horror, folklore, and expressionist art into a haunting tale of creation and destruction. Its visual innovation, thematic depth, and strong performances make it one of the enduring classics of silent cinema. The film’s exploration of the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of defying natural law remain relevant, and its influence on the horror genre can still be seen in films today.
