MovieChat Forums > Häxan (1929) Discussion > 'Fantasia' influence?

'Fantasia' influence?

posted 11 years ago by nycruise-1
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Watching this film, I could not get over how much of the "Witches' Sabbath" rites bring to mind the "Night on Bald Mountain" segment of Disney's "Fantasia." In particular, there is the flying of shimmering witches on broomsticks across the rooftops of a town - and a parading horse skull as they dance around a fire. There are also numerous large animals that dance with them.

Kay Nielsen came up with much of the layout for the Disney movie. I can't help but think he must have screened "Haxan" for inspiration (and why not? "Haxan" had only been released around 17 years before, so it was by all means considered a "recent" film).

"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"

[–] BubblingCauldron 9 years ago

Nice observation, I though to that Fantasia scene, too. I can't tell you if Haxan may have influenced Fantasia, but it is possible!