The Vampires: The Severed Head

Plot

In this episode of the groundbreaking French serial, journalist Philippe Guérande continues his relentless pursuit of the criminal organization known as The Vampires. The plot intensifies when Guérande receives a shocking telegram announcing the discovery of the decapitated body of Inspector Michel, the national security agent leading the official investigation against the Vampires. This brutal murder demonstrates the gang's ruthlessness and their ability to strike at the heart of law enforcement. As Guérande delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers connections between the Vampires and high society, while the enigmatic Irma Vep emerges as a key figure in the organization. The episode culminates in a tense confrontation where Guérande must navigate dangerous territory to expose the truth behind the severed head and prevent further atrocities.

Historical Background

The film was produced during World War I, a time when France was experiencing significant social upheaval and uncertainty. Paris, despite being behind the front lines, was dealing with wartime restrictions, rationing, and the constant threat of German bombardment. The film's themes of criminal conspiracy and social anxiety resonated with audiences living through the war's uncertainties. The serial format itself was innovative, capitalizing on the public's desire for escapism and regular entertainment during dark times. The film's depiction of a criminal organization operating with impunity in the heart of Paris reflected real fears about social breakdown and the erosion of traditional authority structures during the war period.

Making Of

The production of 'The Vampires' serial was remarkable for its time, with Louis Feuillade pioneering techniques that would become standard in cinema. Working under the constraints of World War I, Feuillade had to be incredibly resourceful, often using real locations and natural lighting. The cast worked long hours with minimal safety standards, particularly during action sequences. Musidora, who played Irma Vep, performed many of her own stunts, including dangerous rooftop scenes. The severed head effect was achieved through clever camera angles and editing techniques, though the exact method remains a subject of debate among film historians. The serial's success led to Feuillade creating similar crime serials, though none would match the impact of 'The Vampires'.

Visual Style

The cinematography by André Paulin and Gustave Preiss was revolutionary for its time, employing innovative techniques that would influence cinema for decades. The use of real Paris locations provided an unprecedented documentary realism, while the camera work featured dynamic angles and movement unusual for the period. The film made extensive use of chiaroscuro lighting to create atmosphere and tension, particularly in night scenes. Long takes and deep focus techniques allowed for complex action sequences without cutting. The severed head sequence used clever camera angles and editing to create its shocking effect without showing graphic details. The visual style combined documentary realism with expressionistic elements, creating a unique aesthetic that bridged different cinematic traditions.

Innovations

The film pioneered numerous technical innovations that would become standard in cinema. Feuillade developed sophisticated editing techniques for creating suspense and action, including cross-cutting between parallel storylines. The production used innovative camera movements including tracking shots and unusual angles to enhance dramatic effect. The special effects, particularly the severed head sequence, used clever editing and camera tricks rather than optical effects. The serial format itself was a technical achievement in maintaining continuity and quality across multiple episodes filmed rapidly. The film's location shooting in urban environments presented technical challenges that the crew solved creatively, developing new techniques for shooting in public spaces and managing crowd control.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Vampires' originally featured live musical accompaniment that varied by theater. Large cinemas typically employed full orchestras playing original compositions or adaptations of popular classical pieces. Smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment, often improvising based on cue sheets provided by Gaumont. The music typically ranged from dramatic classical pieces during tense scenes to popular songs of the era for lighter moments. Modern restorations have featured new scores by composers such as Robert Israel, who created period-appropriate accompaniment using authentic instruments and styles of the 1910s. The original musical cues emphasized the film's dramatic moments, particularly during the revelation of the severed head and Irma Vep's appearances.

Memorable Scenes

• The shocking reveal of Inspector Michel's severed head in the office, filmed with clever angles to maximize horror without graphic detail
• Irma Vep's first appearance in her iconic black bodysuit, scaling the apartment building with cat-like grace
• The telegram scene where Guérande receives the devastating news, conveying shock through subtle facial expressions
• The rooftop chase sequence across Parisian rooftops, demonstrating innovative location filming techniques
• The final confrontation in the Vampire's hideout, using shadows and silhouettes to create maximum tension

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were divided, with some praising the film's technical innovation and thrilling narrative while others condemned it as immoral and potentially corrupting to audiences. The French press particularly criticized the film for glorifying criminal behavior. However, modern critics universally acclaim 'The Vampires' as a masterpiece of early cinema. The French New Wave directors, particularly François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, championed Feuillade's work as foundational to modern cinema. Today, film scholars consider the serial one of the most important works of the 1910s, praising its influence on narrative cinema, visual storytelling, and genre development.

What Audiences Thought

The serial was enormously popular with French audiences, creating a sensation comparable to modern television hits. People lined up for each new episode, and 'The Vampires' merchandise became widely available. The character of Irma Vep particularly captured the public imagination, with women emulating her distinctive style. Despite official criticism and occasional bans, the serial found ways to reach audiences through underground screenings. International audiences also embraced the film, though some countries censored or banned it entirely. The serial's success established the commercial viability of long-form narrative cinema and proved that audiences could follow complex, continuing stories over extended periods.

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