Festival du Cinéma muet d'Anères: The Hands of Orlac (Orlac's hands)

Experience the chilling brilliance of **Festival du Cinéma muet d'Anères: Festival du Cinéma muet d'Anères – “The Hands of Orlac”** (original French title *Les Mains d'Orlac*), a 1924 Austrian silent masterpiece brought to life in full DCP with original footage and French subtitles. Over 1 hour and 32 minutes, the film follows pianist Paul Orlac, whose hands are tragically lost in a train accident before a surgeon grafts him with the limbs of a recently executed assassin, leaving him torn between genius and terror. The haunting narrative thrives on the masterful interplay of light and shadow, echoing Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro, and situates the story within a moody, almost operatic atmosphere that terrorizes both character and audience alike. Admire the star‑studded cast as Conrad Veidt portrays the tormented composer Paul Orlac, with Alexandra Sorina adding compelling dramatic depth and Fritz Kortner contributing formidable presence. The on‑screen dialogue is complemented by an evocative orchestral program featuring piano by Jacques Cambra, flute by Sidoine Carrez, saxophone by Raoul Sail‑Lefebvre, and vibraphone and drums by Maxime Bentkowski. Printed by Filmarchiv Austria, this originally acclaimed film remains a quintessential piece of the Grand‑Guignol legacy, rivaling other silent suspense giants like *The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari* and *Vanina*. Join us in this unforgettable cinematic journey where body, mind, and the shadows of a dark past collide in a timeless horror‑drama classic.