Benjamin Christensen is one of Denmark’s most unconventional film directors, best known for Häxan (1922), a macabre and experimental silent film that remains a cult classic. While his name might not carry the same weight as Carl Theodor Dreyer, Christensen was a film industry disruptor, blending documentary, horror, and theatrical elements in a way few dared at the time. His career took him across Denmark, Germany, and Hollywood, where he made four films under Warner Bros., before retreating into obscurity. This is the story of a man who defied cinematic norms and left behind a filmography that refuses to be ignored.
Christensen Was Born in Viborg, But His Career Took Him Everywhere
Born on 28 September 1879 in Viborg, Christensen didn’t begin as a filmmaker. He first trained as an opera singer in 1902, then pivoted to theatre, becoming a stage director before making his way into cinema. His early films, like Det hemmelighedsfulde X (1914), a spy melodrama, showcased his ability to craft intense visual storytelling.
His big break came with Häxan in 1922, a film so ahead of its time that it baffled audiences. A mix of historical documentary and horror, it tackled the medieval witch hunts with eerie imagery and unsettling performances. Christensen starred in the film himself, playing multiple roles, including the Devil. The film was controversial but has since been re-evaluated as a silent film masterpiece.
Christensen Made Two Films in Germany Before Hollywood Called
In 1923, Christensen directed Seine Frau, die Unbekannte (also known as Die Unbekannte), demonstrating his flair for crime drama. He then made another film in 1924, taking on a supporting role in Dreyer’s Michael, where he played painter Claude Zoret.
Hollywood soon noticed. He signed with MGM and directed The Devil’s Circus (1926), marking his move into American cinema. At Warner Bros., he made four films, including Seven Footprints to Satan (1929), which leaned into mystery and horror. But Hollywood wasn’t a perfect fit for Christensen. His unorthodox ideas clashed with studio expectations, and his tenure in the U.S. ended without major commercial success.
Christensen’s Return to Denmark and Fall Into Obscurity
After his Hollywood stint, Christensen returned to Denmark, directing films for Nordisk Film. His last film, Damen med de lyse Handsker (1942), was a spy melodrama. Post-WWII, his style seemed outdated, and he faded from the film industry.
By the time of his death on 2 April 1959, Christensen had become a forgotten figure in Danish cinema. He lived his final years in near obscurity, despite having transformed horror cinema decades earlier.
Filmography
Christensen’s filmography is defined by its boldness.
- Det hemmelighedsfulde X (1914) – Spy melodrama
- Hævnens Nat (1916) – Silent film crime drama
- Häxan (1922) – Macabre silent film blending horror and documentary
- Seine Frau, die Unbekannte (1923) – German crime drama
- Michael (1924) – Acted in Dreyer’s silent film
- The Devil’s Circus (1926): Hollywood debut at MGM
- The Hawk’s Nest (1928): Crime drama
- Seven Footprints to Satan (1929): Mystery thriller at Warner Bros.
- Damen med de lyse Handsker (1942): Spy melodrama, final film
Christensen’s Training in Copenhagen
Before becoming a filmmaker, Christensen trained in Copenhagen at the Royal Danish Theater. He later managed a cinema in the city, where he observed audience reactions firsthand. This hands-on experience with the Danish film industry shaped his directorial approach, leading to his unconventional, stage-influenced storytelling techniques.
Film Festival Recognition Came Too Late
Though Christensen struggled for recognition during his lifetime, his work has since been rediscovered. His films, particularly Häxan, have been restored and showcased at film festivals, where they’ve been praised for their originality. His influence on horror cinema is undeniable, with directors like Guillermo del Toro citing him as an inspiration.
Conclusion and FAQs About Benjamin Christensen
Conclusion
Benjamin Christensen was never a mainstream success, but his films have endured because of their daring visual style and unconventional narratives. He was a film director, screenwriter, and actor who challenged norms, and even though he faded into obscurity, his work continues to be rediscovered by cinephiles. His influence can be seen in horror films, crime dramas, and even modern film festivals that celebrate genre-defying cinema.
For someone who spent his final years forgotten, Christensen’s legacy refuses to stay buried.
Summary
- Early career: Christensen trained in opera and theatre before turning to film, launching his directorial career in 1913 with Det hemmelighedsfulde X.
- Signature work: He directed Häxan in 1922, a groundbreaking blend of horror and documentary that challenged audiences and is now considered a cult classic.
- International reach: He directed films in Germany and went on to work in Hollywood with Warner Bros. and MGM, bringing his bold visual style to American cinema.
- Return and retreat: After his U.S. career stalled, he moved back to Denmark, directed a few more films, and eventually faded from the spotlight.
- Enduring influence: Though forgotten in his later years, Christensen’s experimental approach and genre-defying storytelling have earned him posthumous recognition in film circles around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Benjamin Christensen a successful film director?
Not in a traditional sense. He was respected in the industry but never had a major commercial hit. However, his work, especially Häxan, has gained cult status and is widely studied today.
2. Did Christensen act in his own films?
Yes, he frequently appeared in his own films, often in unsettling or villainous roles. He played multiple parts in Häxan, including Satan himself.
3. What happened to Christensen after Hollywood?
He returned to Denmark, made a few more films, and then disappeared from the industry. By the time of his death in 1959, he was largely forgotten.
4. What is Blind Justice (1916), and why does it matter in Christensen’s career?
Blind Justice (Hævnens nat) is a 1916 Danish silent film directed by and starring Benjamin Christensen. It stands out for its innovative use of lighting and shadow, which helped shape early silent film cinematography.
5. What was Christensen doing in 1913?
In 1913, Christensen directed his first film, Det hemmelighedsfulde X (The Mysterious X), a spy melodrama with striking cinematography and set design. The film was a turning point, marking him as a leading name in Danish silent cinema.
6. Why is Häxan considered such an important film about witchcraft?
Released in 1922, Häxan (Witchcraft Through the Ages) is a semi-documentary that explores the history of witchcraft through dramatized sequences and scholarly narration. Its macabre visuals and experimental storytelling make it one of the most unique silent films ever made.
7. What films did Christensen work on in 1927?
In 1927, Christensen directed Mockery, starring Lon Chaney. Despite Chaney’s reputation, the film wasn’t a major success and is often overlooked in Christensen’s filmography.
8. What films did Christensen make in 1939, 1940, and 1941?
After returning to Denmark, Christensen directed several films:
- 1939: Skilsmissens børn (Children of Divorce) – A social melodrama about family conflicts.
- 1940: Barnet (The Child) – A film that touched on abortion and moral dilemmas.
- 1941: Gå med mig hjem (Come Home with Me) – A reunion with Bodil Ipsen, one of Denmark’s leading actresses.
9. Did Christensen ever work in Sweden?
Yes, Christensen filmed Häxan in Sweden between 1919 and 1922, using Swedish funding and resources to bring his ambitious vision to life.
10. Who was Karen, and what was her connection to Christensen?
Karen Winther was Christensen’s third wife, whom he married in 1927.
11. How did Christensen get started in his career, and what’s his link to Aarhus?
Christensen’s career began in Aarhus in 1907, where he worked as a theatre actor before moving into film.
12. Did Christensen ever return to the stage?
Yes, after his success in early cinema, he returned to the stage for a period before eventually coming back to filmmaking.
13. How does Häxan explore themes of witchcraft and the satanic?
The film looks at the history of witchcraft and persecution, using dramatic reenactments to show how paranoia led to real-life atrocities. Its disturbing imagery and references to satanic rituals made it controversial upon release.
14. When was Benjamin Christensen born, and when did he die?
Christensen’s lifespan is often written as 1879–1959, marking his birth on September 28, 1879, and his death on April 2, 1959.
15. Did Christensen ever collaborate with Bodil Ipsen?
Yes, he worked with Bodil Ipsen in 1941 on the film Gå med mig hjem (Come Home with Me).
