Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings. Today’s post is another list of film recommendations based on how you want to feel. For today’s theme, it is films that give off the energy of the Death and the Maiden motif!
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
~To begin this list, I just had to feature the original silent film version of one of my favorite novels! Lon Chaney does a fantastic job, and the makeup has never been matched as of yet. Erik is truly a Death-like figure obsessed with the beautiful Maiden Christine! He even dressed up as the Red Death from the Poe story at the Masquerade.
The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
~For those who are not into silent films, this is an ideal choice, especially if you like your Phantom with some slasher camp. The setting is moved from Paris to London, and this one is much more gory and grotesque, with the iconic Robert Englund as our favorite Phantom! This is my personal go-to watch for this story, other than the recording of the 25th anniversary Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall musical performance (and that is a bonus recommendation if you love the musical).
Crimson Peak (2015)
~The Death and the Maiden motif is a little less obvious here, at least until the whole film plays out, but the visuals are haunting and stunning and the film is utterly iconic. It is a must-watch for Gothic Romance fans and anyone who loves the work of Guillermo del Toro!
The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967)
~This is the most light-hearted subject matter-wise on this list, as it is a parody of Vampire tropes. I adore watching films with Sharon Tate, so this gets bonus points for featuring her, and I am able to separate art from the artist when it comes to Roman Polanski (as I mentioned in my last post of this sort). Plus the other artists involved in this fun romp should not be penalized for the fact that he wrote, directed, and starred alongside them! The film takes on the comedic side of classic Vampire tropes with a Death and the Maiden energy going on between Sharon Tate’s character and the Vampire.
Dracula (1992)
~I could not do this list without featuring this version of Dracula. The Death and the Maiden energy is beyond palpable in this film, with Mina and Dracula having a fully fleshed-out romance!
Nosferatu (1979)
~So, I did not include the original 1922 one here, as the Death and the Maiden energy was not as strong as in this one and the new one, which is listed below. The 1979 Nosferatu has plenty of Death and the Maiden energy, with Lucy (as Ellen is named in this version) making the choice to give herself to the Vampire against everyone’s guidance. Her interactions with him beforehand cemented that he was obsessed with her, adding to the Death and the Maiden energy!
Nosferatu (2024)
~Of course, this made my list! I have not been able to stop thinking about this film since seeing it on opening day. The Dark Romance is on full display with the entire film being awash with Death and the Maiden energy. The final shot of the film is even like a Death and the Maiden painting!
~I hope you have enjoyed this list of films to watch when you want to experience Death and the Maiden vibes. What other films do you think would fit this feeling and energy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is a gorgeous Death and the Maiden painting by Titti Garelli. I found the artwork on https://www.saatchiart.com/print/Painting-Death-and-the-Maiden/44862/1658858/view.
Tarot Announcement: I want to announce that I am going to have my first-ever Tarot Reading Special here on the White Rose of Avalon Online Shop! Beginning on February 1st, I will be running a Valentine’s Day Tarot Reading Special, available only in the month of February. I will be doing a whole post about this on February 1st, explaining exactly what the special is when it goes live, so please stay tuned, my Darlings!
LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries