Question 1

What censorship issues did Häxan face in Sweden?

Accepted Answer

Swedish censors required cuts including a finger removal closeup, cross trampling, infant over a pot, torture rack face, torture instruments, and a demon embracing a nude woman—all later restored.

Question 2

Why was most of Häxan filmed at night?

Accepted Answer

Director Benjamin Christensen shot most scenes at night to create a dark, ominous atmosphere that would best influence the actors' performances—almost unheard-of at the time.

Question 3

What happened with the historical experts Benjamin Christensen wanted to consult?

Accepted Answer

Christensen planned to write the script with historical experts, but most he had in mind were against making the film, so the plan fell through.

Question 4

Why do some actors' eyes appear glazed and unnatural in Häxan?

Accepted Answer

The film stock's emulsion didn't register blue, so actors with blue eyes appear with glazed, unnatural-looking eyes.

Question 5

How did director Benjamin Christensen incorporate a real-life demonic encounter into Häxan?

Accepted Answer

Actress Maren Pedersen told Christensen she'd seen the Devil at her bedside; he was so struck by this modern demonic belief that he incorporated the anecdote into the film.

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Häxan

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