This film is a shiveringly beautiful, sophisticated vampire art film with ground-breaking editing, cinematography and design that paved the road for such brilliant films as "Let the Right One In". Plus, I defy anyone to resist the combined appeal of Bowie, Deneuve, 80's goth music (performance by Bauhaus), and vampires. You can't! The angle of vampire mythology the film focuses on is longevity. What would the experience of living eternally have on the individual? Sure the fluttering gauze curtains get a bit over the top at times, but this is an art horror classic to be enjoyed and poured over. Just be warned: This is a slow, contemplative film at times, so if you're expecting non-stop blood-sucking go elsewhere. Plus, note the "Barry Lyndon" references!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Possession
(1981)
Obscure Masterpiece
6 July 2009
This is one of those rare films that will instantly sink itself into your personal cinematic cosmology. You will cherish and covet your copy, force new friends to watch it with you, and resent others who claim to adore it as much as you do with the voracity of a lover who discovers their beloved has made love all night with a stranger. I pretty much shudder with ecstatic pleasure every time I watch this film. It crackles and seethes with a bizarre and potent vitality that is apparent from the first few seconds of screen time. Isabelle Adjani's performance is like a maelstrom of sheer madness and perfection. Astoundingly beautiful and completely insane you will not be able to rip your eyes away from her face. Sam Neil is fantastic, completely embroiled in the character, rivaling Kinski at times. The color palette is extremely original as well using an odd combination of blues, oranges and yellows. Almost every scene is memorable and thrilling to behold. What many people don't mention is the remarkable humor of the film. At points it is incredibly, darkly funny. Not to mention it's genre-shifting plot structure. To some the film will be hard to swallow because of its experimental narrative. So don't expect your aunt Clara to get it. But to anyone with good taste in film it is an obscure masterpiece to be held, cherished, and worshiped.
There is only one big problem. The film is basically out of print. There could be a few VHS editions floating around. The only DVD copy you can get was on a "Horror Double Feature" disc paired with a Fulci film. But that just went out of print as well (I snatched up the last copy at the closing of Kim's Video). If any film needs a restored DVD release on Criterion, or an upload to NetFlix and Itunes it's this one. And "Valerie and her Week of Wonders". NetFlix has the film, but it's still listed as "save" status. This does give me a little hope though. C'mon distributors and archivists. Save "Possession"!
There is only one big problem. The film is basically out of print. There could be a few VHS editions floating around. The only DVD copy you can get was on a "Horror Double Feature" disc paired with a Fulci film. But that just went out of print as well (I snatched up the last copy at the closing of Kim's Video). If any film needs a restored DVD release on Criterion, or an upload to NetFlix and Itunes it's this one. And "Valerie and her Week of Wonders". NetFlix has the film, but it's still listed as "save" status. This does give me a little hope though. C'mon distributors and archivists. Save "Possession"!
Sin Nombre
(2009)
An Epic and Marvelous First Film
11 March 2009
I saw this beautifully crafted new film at Sundance and was completely entranced. The cinematography and design is astounding. The new faces and local actors give everything for the project. The writer/director did an extensive amount of research including riding on the tops of trains with immigrants crossing Mexico, and spending time with MS gang members. And indeed the film is full of all kinds of personal, empirical moments that reach up and contrast the violence and epic quality of the piece. Ultimately the film has a very classical quality that evokes an "Odyssey" kind of timelessness. Everyone should go see this in the theatres the moment it comes out. Great, great first film.
Tell Your Friends