Some Films to Inspire you in Your
Castle Falkenstein Adventures.
There are many films which can inspire Castle Falkenstein plots and backgrounds. The
original rulebook and the GURPS one contained lists but here are some more which I like
personally.
Night of the Demon (1957)
(aka Curse of the Demon)
Starring Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins and Niall MacGinnis.
A British horror film adapted from the M. R. James story "Casting the Runes" (1911).
The plot involves an American psychologist investigating a satanic cult suspected of more
than one murder.
Although not set in the Victorian Era, this film is worth watching for Niall MacGinnis's great
portrayal of a evil Gentleman Magician who acts in a very "velvet glove containing an iron
fist" way. The character would make a great Falkenstein Villain.
I have also used the cursed magic square idea from this film in my campaign too.
Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)
(a.k.a. Young Sherlock Holmes and the Pyramid of Fear)
Starring: Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox and Sophie Ward.
A good, old-fashioned fun-filled romp! Holmes & Watson met up for the first time a boarding school and solve a plot to murder a group of men over a past deed. I particularly love the hallucination scenes after they are hit with drugged blowpipe darts.
There is a nice twist at the end involving the chief villain.
The villains are an Ancient Egyptian Cult with a secret, underground pyramid in the heart of London (Temple of Ra, anyone?) .
Without A Clue (1988)
Stars:Michael Caine, Ben Kingsley, Jeffrey Jones
A drunken actor (Caine) plays the part of Sherlock Holmes as a cover for the real detective - Dr Watson (Kingsley). A great comedy film with the incompetent and cowardly Holmes finding redemption in taking on Moriarty (or Arty Morty. . One of my favourite Victorian Era films, I have watched it many times.
Perhaps trying a Falkenstein twist with your Great Detective incapacitated and his Fetch or Doppleganger attempting to solve the crime without the skills necessary.
An Ideal Husband (1999)
One of Oscar Wilde's social satires,
'An Ideal Husband' revolves around the lives of two men, successful political figure Sir Robert Chiltern and his friend the utterly charming Lord Arthur Goring. Chiltern's life is perfect thanks to the help of his loving and brilliant wife Gerturde and the support of his quick witted sister Mabel. Goring's life is one of lounging, flirting with Mabel, and avoiding his father's insistence that he should marry. The world of these men is turned upside down by the arrival of old acquaintance
Julianne Moore’s character, Mrs. Laura Cheveley , a single women making her own way in the world by using society contacts and blackmail would make a great Dramatic Character as an Adventuress in Castle Falkenstein.
The Illusionist (2006)
Director: Neil Burger
Stars: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
A terrific performance by Paul Giamatti as the Chief of the Vienna City Police. An excellent film set in Fin de Siecle Austria-Hungary. Its plot is centred around the Forbidden Love between a Stage Magician and a Countess. The story line continually blurs the line between Illusion and Fact with what seems like a straight forward ending, but listen to the Director’s comments on the DVD about the end and it takes on a rather different hue.
Nice magical effects, social barriers, secret police and a potential coup plot will give you great ideas for your campaign.
The Prestige (2006)
In Edwardian London, a stage magician is accused of the murder of a rival magician. The film shows flashbacks of how the vicious rivalry began and the ways they have continued it over the years. The story is dark, complex and compelling with many twists and turns including the appearance of Nikola Tesla.
Without giving too much by way of spoilers, a similar plot, perhaps involving two brothers rivalry for a title/throne, could work well in the Falkenstein Universe, especially with Shapeshifting, Dopplegangers and Mad Science!.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams.
These two films are Guy Ritchie’s take on the classic Detective.
An all-action film in which Holmes and Watson take on a hidden enemy within the British Establishment who aims to take the British Crown for himself.
The Secret Society involved has Strong Overtones of the Temple of Ra with a nice twist at the end.
Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows (2011)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris.
Anarchist Bombings, Break Ins, Gypsy Bands, a Diplomatic Ball and the Schemes of a Powerful Nemesis! Holmes is trying to foil Moriarty’s plans across Europe.
A real Falkenstein style plot with plenty of scenes that will inspire you. All that is missing is a touch of Magick.
Apparently, a third Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes film is due to start filming later this year.
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