Are You In A “Sad Clown” Movie Mood?
No need on this 15th day of “Shocktober 2016” – I’ve got some of the most surreal yet entertaining horror films to share!
Time To Be “Fascianted” By Director Jean Rollin!
If you’ve never heard of French Director Jean Rollin, you have missed out on some very atmospheric, haunting, nudity and blood-filled – yet somewhat slow-moving – European art-film horror!
Meet Jean Rollin!
Jean Rollin was a French film director, actor, and novelist – best known for his films in the “fantastique” genre, as they say in France. He specialized in atmospheric horror of the 70’s – when relaxed censorship rules in cinema allowed Directors to push the envelope!
Jean Rollin’s are very interesting to watch: moody, atmospheric and did I mention that his films were filled with BLOOD!
Jean Rollin’s Cult “Artsploitation” Is “Redeemed”!
Thanks to the terrific “Redemption” series of releases – from the “Redemption Films” group – these movies are now available again – and gives each film a newly remastered look, plus tons of extras like documentaries, audio commentaries and trailers – a terrific job.
Requiem For A Vampire
Here is an early classic: on the run from a reform school, two young women commit crimes dressed as clowns.
Yes, they commit crimes dressed as clowns. How can you argue with that? Here is the clown-filled trailer:
Of course, the two “fleeing female clowns” seek refuge in a haunted castle, and end up trapped with no escape!
Because, as happens too often, this haunted castle is ruled by a hoard of sexy, blood-crazed vampires and their leader, an evil immortal creature who is the last of his kind.
Another of Rollins films is this classic:
Fascination!
Considered by many to be his masterpiece, “FASCINATION” follows a swaggering thief who hides out in a lavish chateau, holding the female occupants at gunpoint.
You can sense a trend here: Rollin’s films usually involve women who are kidnapped or held against their will – and who wreck revenge against their abductors – usually men. And they always end up in a deserted castle.
Women With A Thirst For Blood!
When night falls, the “Fascination” captor realizes that these two maids are not only deadlier than he imagined, but are gatekeepers to a ring of women with a thirst for blood.
Once again, the film is filled with hynotic imagery like this:
And what I think is his most dynamic image ever captured in one of his films – the blonde on the bridge with the sickle…
This action sequence, while fairly slow moving – it is, as you know, Jean Rollin – this sequence is beautifully done and hypnotic…
Here is part of the sequence:
You must go out and buy this blu-ray to see the entire sequence, the movie as a whole, and all of the terrific extras! Then, you have to see THIS:
The Living Dead Girl
This is one of his last films. Here is the trailer:
“The Living Dead Girl” is a melancholy, moody bloodfest – it is certainly Rollin’s bloodiest film…
Director Jean Rollin died in 2010, but all of these releases have extensive material with him, as he actively participated in these great remasters. He introduces some of the films, takes part in commentaries, and discusses his work with passion and pride.
You can read about all of his films by clicking on my story here:
So bravo to Jean Rollin for giving us incredible visuals like the ones below – AND a great way to celebrate “Shocktober 2016!”
If you want to see some of the other films I’ve celebrated this month, you can see the first ten days of “Shocktober 2016” – which includes creepy clowns like these:
Check out the clowns, chainsaws, scream queens and more by clicking here:
“Fascination” was a classic French horror film, but the Italians had their slasher classics as well:
You can see some of the greatest Italian sex shockers by clicking on my story here:
https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/14/shocktober-day-14-is-a-locked-room-of-slashing-giallo/
Enjoy your Halloween!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Film Noir, Foreign Films, Great Films, Grindhouse, Halloween, Horror films, Independent Cinema, Movies, Obscure Movies, Revenge Movies, Sexploitation Movies, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
Reblogged this on johnrieber and commented:
celebrating #shocktober #31daysofhorror #31daysofhalloween with a French Director and his cult horror film “Fascination”
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A great selection, John. And I have never seen any of them!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, they are hypnotic, a bit slow moving, and full of nudity – you know, French!
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A little ‘Je ne sais quoi’ is always welcome!
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