Documentaries That Still Scare Me: Hxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages

Have you ever felt so scared that you nearly burst into laughter? This video you posted made me chuckle, but truth be told, the Hxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages documentary scared the living daylights out of me.

The Film That Haunted Me

While the video you shared brought a smile to my face, the 1922 Danish masterpiece Hxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages is a dental nightmare not to be taken lightly. Danish filmmaker Benjamin Christensen's obsession with bizarre lighting effects created a spine-chilling experience. The film starts with a series of woodcuts and engravings, reminiscent of the works by RKO producer Val Lewton.

From Sedate to Scary

However, the real thrill begins when the film shifts gears and moves into a series of dramatic vignettes illustrating the awesome power of witchcraft in the Middle Ages. These images are so powerful that even some modern viewers cannot bear to look directly at the screen. The film, though a work of pure imagination, occasionally has documentary-like qualities, thanks to the extensive research done by Christensen. The director even appears in the film in a dual role as Satan and the Doctor. This unique combination of fiction and research creates a chilling atmosphere.

Apart from the Original

It’s worth noting that a separate version of the film exists, released in 1968 under the title Witchcraft Through the Ages. This version features narration by the legendary Beat writer William S. Burroughs from Naked Lunch, and a score by Jean-Luc Ponty. This version adds a different layer of fear and excitement to the already terrifying original.

Why It’s So Scary

The true horror of Hxan lies in its ability to take the fear to a new level using cold, calculated horror. The juxtaposition of day-to-day references with the chilling content is eerily effective. So, if you're daring enough to watch it, proceed at your own risk. Keep your mind open to new ideas, or you might find yourself in a world of nightmares.

Remember, the use of cold horror combined with day-to-day references is almost like an ice-cold chill running down your spine. So, watch it, but do so with a mix of caution and curiosity.