Vertauschte Gesichter Review: A weirdly hypnotic silent mystery

If you are looking for something to just put on while you fold laundry, don't pick this one. It is a 1929 silent film called Vertauschte Gesichter, and you actually have to stare at the screen to have any clue what is going on.

Most people will probably find it too slow or just plain confusing. But if you like that specific brand of old German drama where everyone looks slightly haunted, it is a hidden gem in its own weird way.

The title basically translates to "Interchanged Faces." It is one of those "who is who?" plots that silent movies loved because they didn't have to worry about matching voices. 🎭

Theodor Loos is the main reason to even bother with this. He has this way of moving his eyes that makes you feel like he is hiding a secret in every single scene.

There is this one part where a character just stares at a letter for what feels like five minutes. You start wondering if the film loop got stuck, but then he finally blinks and the story moves on.

The sets are surprisingly decent for the time. Not quite as wild or spooky as something like Alraune, but they have that heavy, shadows-everywhere vibe that makes every room feel important.

I noticed one of the actors, Gerhard Ritterband, has this very specific energetic way of walking. He almost bounces into the frame whenever he appears.

It is definitely not as straightforward as an adventure like Davy Crockett. You really have to do some mental gymnastics to keep the characters straight because of the whole identity swap thing.

The lighting in the office scenes is really harsh. It makes the actors look like they haven't slept in a week, which I guess fits the mood of the mystery.

Some of the title cards feel like they were written by someone who was paid by the word. They just go on and on with dialogue that could have been one sentence. 📜

I found myself getting distracted by a weirdly ornate clock in the background of one scene. I wonder if it was a real antique they borrowed or just some cheap cardboard prop that looked good on grainy film.

It is much better than some of the total fluff from that era, like maybe Watch Your Wife. It actually tries to be about something, even if I am not 100% sure what the writers were aiming for by the end.

The ending comes at you pretty fast. One minute they are all arguing in a room, and the next, it is over and you are left blinking at the "Fin" card.

If you can find a good print of this, the textures of the old suits and dresses are actually pretty cool to look at. 🎞️

It is a bit of a slog in the middle, honestly. I almost checked my phone twice because the pacing just... stops.

But then Marcella Albani shows up and the energy picks back up. She has a very commanding presence on screen that keeps you from nodding off.

I think the movie gets noticeably better once you stop trying to figure out the logic. Just let the grainy black and white images wash over you.

One reaction shot of Angelo Ferrari lingers so long it actually becomes funny. He just keeps looking more and more shocked until the scene finally cuts away.

It's greatest sin is probably just being a bit too long for the story it's telling. But it has soul, which is more than I can say for a lot of modern stuff.

Overall, it is a weird little artifact. Not a masterpiece, but worth a look if you’re in a quiet mood and want to see some great eyebrow acting. 🤨