The story centers on Balduin, a poor but ambitious student living in Prague. Desperate to improve his financial situation, Balduin makes a deal with a mysterious figure named Scapinelli. In exchange for a large sum of money, Scapinelli takes Balduin’s reflection from a mirror, setting off a series of events that lead Balduin to a psychological breakdown as his double, or doppelgänger, begins to ruin his life.
The film is notable for its Expressionist themes, particularly its exploration of the double, or doppelgänger, a concept that would later become a key motif in German Expressionist cinema. The portrayal of a man haunted by his own reflection and the inner torment that ensues is a powerful metaphor for identity and the dangers of unchecked ambition. This theme of the dual self, along with the consequences of moral compromise, echoes Goethe’s Faust, making the film a philosophical and psychological exploration of human nature.
Wegener’s performance as both Balduin and his evil double is masterful, capturing the internal conflict and fear that consumes his character. His portrayal of a man whose soul is literally split in two was groundbreaking for its time and set the tone for future horror films that would delve into similar psychological territory.
Technically, The Student of Prague is groundbreaking for its use of special effects to create the doppelgänger scenes. The film employs double exposure, a technique that was innovative at the time, to depict Balduin interacting with his double. This clever use of visual effects allows for the eerie, unsettling presence of the doppelgänger to be a constant reminder of Balduin’s pact and his unraveling sanity.
The film also features rich cinematography, with its moody, gothic atmosphere enhancing the dark and supernatural elements of the story. Set in Prague’s old city, the film’s use of real locations gives it an authentic yet foreboding ambiance, with narrow streets, decaying buildings, and dark interiors serving as the backdrop for Balduin’s descent into madness.
The Student of Prague is widely regarded as one of the first artistic horror films, combining literary influences with visual artistry to create a psychological drama that transcends the typical fare of early silent cinema. Its influence can be seen in later German Expressionist classics like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and Nosferatu (1922), both of which also explore themes of identity, madness, and the supernatural.
With its compelling story, innovative effects, and strong performances, The Student of Prague remains a seminal work in the history of cinema, not only as an early horror film but also as a psychological study of the human condition, ambition, and the dark side of desire.
