“An astonishing directorial feat.” - Richard Brody, The New Yorker
“FAUST is a towering work of expressionism from its first frames.” - Michael Koresky, Sundance Now
F.W. Murnau's visually astonishing adaptation of the classic legend follows the aging scholar Faust, who bargains with Mephisto for youth, power, and earthly pleasures in exchange for his soul. As love, temptation, and redemption collide, Murnau transforms the timeless tale into one of silent cinema's greatest achievements, filled with groundbreaking special effects and unforgettable imagery. Experience this masterpiece with a live original score performed by ten thousand lakes (xkl music), bringing new energy to one of the defining works of German Expressionism.
Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Chicago.
Creature Features
October 2–November 1, 2026
The movies have always loved a monster. From early cinema’s demons to Universal’s classic creatures to Toho’s city-destroying kaiju to countless contemporary permutations of all of the above, Creature Features showcase cinema’s incredible ability to transform a character into an irresistible other. The eight films in this series trace creature-making craftsmanship from in-camera practical effects to digitally-enhanced creature augmentation and offer a slate of scary and sweet strangers to match every spooky season mood.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu