William S. Burroughs narrates witch torture with jazz violin. The 60s were unhinged.
A seventy-six-minute version of Häxan, re-edited and re-released in the United States by Metro Pictures Corporation in 1968. It is narrated by author William S. Burroughs, with a jazz score and soundtrack featuring violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.
Score
Jean-Luc Ponty's jazz violin over medieval torture scenes.
Direction
Christensen's 1922 silent imagery meets Burroughs' deadpan horror.
Editing
The 1968 re-cut transforms art film into cult artifact.
Director
Benjamin Christensen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This cut emerged as exploitation cinema peaked, repackaging avant-garde silent film for the stoned college crowd.
Burroughs recorded his narration in one afternoon for $1,000, reportedly viewing the film for the first time that same morning.
US
