Film Talk - Cinematic Demonology: The Devil in Film

Film Talks

Whether you think of Him as the embodiment of all evil, a folkloric trickster, or an abstract concept of the world’s ills, Satan, in all of his guises, exists. Well, in the movies, at least. The Devil has been a fixture on screens across the world since the very beginnings of Cinema. From Georges Méliès early fantasias to New Hollywood and the blockbuster era, Satan appears with a Biblical regularity. But portrayals of the Devil vary greatly. Is He the enemy of God and all Mankind? Or a more personal demon who comically tempts the protagonist with worldly riches and desire?

SIFF Programmer Dan Doody explores the variety of representations of the Devil in film, as well as the tropes and themes that accompany these portrayals, from the genesis of cinema to our modern apocalyptic blockbusters.

Häxan will be screening on October 18 at the Film Center in association with this Film Talk.

Streaming Tickets grant access to the film talk virtually, live-streamed via Zoom from 7-9:00pm PT. Access to the recording is not provided after the live session.