Search - Faustbook on DVD

An extreme character study that will shock you and leave you

Nicholas Thomas | 03/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

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"Faustbook" is an extreme character study that will shock you and leave you in awe. It's from first time filmmaker Eric Leiser, who shows real skill behind the camera. It's also written by its star Jacob Faust, who passed away in April of 2005. He's also the composer of the film. All of this really adds to the tone and mood of the film. The film is also presented in black and white. I think the black and white presentation is perfectly suited for a film of this nature. It's the type of that film really surrounds you in its style. You are really absorbed by everything that is happening on screen. With that said, this is a very strange film. At certain points, I was not sure if I really liked it. It's very strange Eventually, I learned to just go with the total weirdness and strangeness of the film. You have to accept it. If not, you'll go crazy trying to figure out the film.

The film follows Faustus, who is a troubled mortician with a lot of questions. He's trying to find some truth behind his job. It's almost like the film "Sideways," but set in a funeral home. In "Sideways," you had two guys looking for some truth behind the wine that they drink. In this film, you have a man looking for truth behind his profession. He also must encounter the devil, who offers him answers for his soul. Not exactly what I would call a fair trade. Now, I have a lot of questions about life, but I'm not going this far to find them. He is starting to wonder if he needs his questions answered that badly. He has one last chance to save himself before the deal is finally signed with the devil. The devil does not enjoy people who don't follow their contract. He's not exactly understanding or patient. Either you follow his deals, or you perish promptly.

As stated above, all of this is really weird and out there. Can you accept the premise of the film? That's the question you should ask yourself before checking out this film. I was able to because it was so different from anything that I had ever seen. You won't be bored watching this film. It's weirdly fascinating and bizarre. To make the film even weirder, it has a lot of dark humor in it. Jacob Faust must have been a very interesting individual in real life. He sure has a unique and dark vision with this film. He would have been an interesting filmmaker in the years to come. His work is all over this film in terms of acting, directing, and even composing. Are you tired of the same old Indy films? You won't find anything boring or predictable in this film. You'll find some unique film-making in this strange flick. You just have to make sure you are ready and prepared for such bizarre fare. If not, you'll be lost throughout the course of this film.

"Faustbook" is a film that I think will polarize audiences right down the middle. I thought it was a nice change of pace from the usual Indy films that seem to be inspired by Kevin Smith. It had its own style and tone. If you are a film fan who takes chances, check out this film.

- Tony Farinella

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The complete works of the Leiser brothers thus far:

Imagination
Eclectic Shorts by Eric Leiser
Faustbook"

Not Faust's Final Version

K. Hattemer | Brooklyn, NY United States | 04/04/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Jacob Faust had a tumultuous back and forth w/ the filmmakers of this film. He had abandoned the project when he knew it wasn't going to fulfill his vision. He never provided the ending of his script to the Leiser brothers. You can tell. Jake felt this was not going in the direction he wanted and gave up on it.

Leisers sold this on that premise and trys to pretend they will "donate" the money to his family currently seeking justice for wrongful death. They capitalized on Jake's untimely killing to promote other film endeavors."