This film is a wonderful impressionistic condensation of the major themes of Poe's story. I have used it in class (11th grade), and many students have been enthralled and entrances (a difficult result to produce from teens for from a silent film)!
Although the costuming and much of the general appearance is seemingly Art-Deco, the film retains many of the important elements of the story. It seems to portray the interpretation that Roderick poisoned Madeline, as one of may possible interpretations of the story. Because it is so impressionistic it -- like Poe's original story-- contains many levels of meaning and lends itself to many interpretations.
Although the costuming and much of the general appearance is seemingly Art-Deco, the film retains many of the important elements of the story. It seems to portray the interpretation that Roderick poisoned Madeline, as one of may possible interpretations of the story. Because it is so impressionistic it -- like Poe's original story-- contains many levels of meaning and lends itself to many interpretations.