Judex (1916-17) - Louis Feuillade

There aren't a lot of Feuillade serials on DVD, in fact there are about two available in the US, Fantomas was released on Region 2. Getting a chance to see this was certainly a treat. The film gets unfairly demoted next to Les Vampires, but that is unjust. The film feels like a film novel. In episode form the serial doesn't need to relate to a conclusion. Instead all you need is enough to contain thirty minutes or so, and this film works on that level, as roughly 13 mini-films each a narrative within itself with a loose end. Allowing for many rich characterizations, and a chance for many characters to be introduced and disappear without us really getting confused. The modern equivalent of a mini-series, I can't help but admire this work. Not to say if its better, but I feel I got more out of this than Les Vampires. Perhaps its because the characters in this film seemed more human, even if it's uncommon to have a secret labyrinth of tunnels, a pack of dogs that can lead you to a secret lair, and of course the means to enact diabolical revenge.