I saw this on PBS when it first aired. I was 25. I was prompted to watch it due to the tile, as I figured it must be a remake of The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (another scary film). Lo and behold, it pretty much was.
13 years later, I have NEVER forgotten how scary this movie was. Every so often in passing have I seen in my mind the special effects that fill this film.
Halllucinatory, phantasmagoric images encompassed every single corner of the screen during much of the film. That chant scared the wits out of me as well - yet the totally silent scenes were that much worse. Kudos to everyone involved in the movie -- it has a long-lasting effect on the viewer, which cannot be said for too many movies.
I think that the images were provocative and came off the way schizophrenics may see the world -- non-stop slants, twists and unsure footings. For these, the camera angels were put to excellent use. Mikhail, Joan and Peter were all great. I could go on and on about this film, so I'll just keep it short, lest I get exhausted. I do hope that, if this ever plays again, that I will have heard about it because I'd love to get a copy of this. A truly disturbing experience. Highly recommended!
13 years later, I have NEVER forgotten how scary this movie was. Every so often in passing have I seen in my mind the special effects that fill this film.
Halllucinatory, phantasmagoric images encompassed every single corner of the screen during much of the film. That chant scared the wits out of me as well - yet the totally silent scenes were that much worse. Kudos to everyone involved in the movie -- it has a long-lasting effect on the viewer, which cannot be said for too many movies.
I think that the images were provocative and came off the way schizophrenics may see the world -- non-stop slants, twists and unsure footings. For these, the camera angels were put to excellent use. Mikhail, Joan and Peter were all great. I could go on and on about this film, so I'll just keep it short, lest I get exhausted. I do hope that, if this ever plays again, that I will have heard about it because I'd love to get a copy of this. A truly disturbing experience. Highly recommended!