Rapsodia satanica

This is an extraordinary variation of the Faust myth, with great lighting and beautiful compositions by cinematographer Giorgi Ricci, in which the influences of Italian aestheticism and German expressionism are harmoniously integrated, to offer a lavish melodrama, a beautiful example of the Italian cinema of great divas.

«Rapsodia satanica» is a hand-painted, tinted black and white silent film, restored in 2007 and performed by diva Lyda Borelli, known as "La divina Borelli." It tells the story of an old countess who makes a pact with Mephistopheles, recovers her youth, and mocks the love of two brothers who court her.

The story receives a fantasy approach and is kept under control by director Nino Oxilia, who finished the film, went to fight in World War I and died on the battlefield. It was also the only film for which maestro Pietro Mascagni composed an excellent musical score.

Of its 55 minutes only 45 have remained, but the film has coherence and is a fascinating opportunity to see the greatest of Italian divas in the leading role, who became a real contessa in 1918, when she retired to marry a member of Italian royalty and ended her film career. Highly recommended.