One aspect he discovers is how traditionally one’s own reflection or shadow was thought of as a double. Rank wants to understand the attraction of including a doppelganger character in a story and so he adopts an anthropological approach – albeit framed by psychoanalytical interpretations – and explores the history of the doppelganger in various cultures. Rank, like Freud, calls the double uncanny: for the protagonists in the stories analysed by Rank, the experience of viewing one’s own doppelganger is an unnerving and eerie experience, which usually results in injury or death. In this work Rank is interested in psychoanalytical investigations and, like his contemporary Freud, is inspired by the recurring themes present in German literature, one of which is the double. The link between the double and the soul is one of the avenues explored by Otto Rank in his investigation into this uncanny phenomenon in his work The Double, written in 1914. This aspect is confirmed by the film’s melodramatic ending which is reminiscent of Simon’s efforts to deal with an unwanted doppelganger in The Double (2013) screened a few weeks ago. The narrative of The Student of Prague explores the intolerability of this situation but with an additional twist: by removing Balduin’s reflection, Scapinelli effectively removes an aspect of Balduin directly – his soul. As we have discussed previously in relation to this theme, it seems impossible for the double and the original figure to co-exist in these stories. Balduin’s reflection stalks his original owner and sabotages his efforts to seduce the countess. Like many of the other films screened in the season, the double figure in The Student of Prague is an evil, trouble-making doppelganger. This cut of the film thus contains expanded scenes which allow for the development of some of the supporting characters, and in particular that of the ‘wandering girl’.
Today’s film has been restored by Filmmuseum München and is a more complete version of the film. As will be explained by the opening of the version screened today, details gathered from press releases and exhibitions notes reveal that the film should be over 80 minutes long. One 2004 DVD release, for example, has a running time of approximately 50 minutes. The film has had a few remakes (and re-cuts), including ones in 19, and different versions of the original have subsequently been released. The Student of Prague is a silent, German film starring Paul Wegener as the titular character. However Balduin’s doppelganger re-emerges and begins to haunt his former owner… Balduin attempts to suppress his amazement and worry over this incident as he soon concentrates on wooing the countess. This double – now a distinct figure, unattached to its original form and freed from the constraints of the mirror – walks out of the room. Balduin signs a contract agreeing to these terms and Scapinelli then makes his choice: he touches the full-length mirror in the room and Balduin’s reflection suddenly emerges. Scapinelli promises Balduin great riches and, in exchange, Scapinelli can take whatever he wishes from the student’s apartment. Balduin hopes he can change this, and better his life, by making a deal with a strange man named Scapinelli. He becomes interested in a countess after rescuing her from a fall in a lake, although she is already betrothed to be married to her cousin. The Student of Prague (1913) tells the story of Balduin – the student in question – who is a popular and skilled fencer but feels unhappy and unfulfilled in life. We will be showing Frances’ suggestion: The Student of Prague (1913, Stellan Rye, 85mins).įrances has very kindly provided the following introduction: All are very welcome to join us for the last screening and discussion session of this term, which will take place on the 30th of March, 5-7pm, in Jarman 7.