The story is very interesting and it's generally gripping in parts although not hard to guess what will follow. I think I first saw this when I was around 12 and it was fairly frightening the ghost like spirits of death. Today over 40 years later the special effects are a little poor although not bad for a 50 year old film. The acting is a little up and down there is hardly any actors in it only 3 main characters and 3 bit players there only to move the narrative on. Robert stephens performance is good but rather stagey. Robert Powell in what must be one of his first major roles is given some odd direction in his interaction with. Jane Lapotaire Playing Christina that is a bit unsettling . The relationship is just weird considering they are supposed to be madly in love it's fairly abusive as is her fathers character towards her. I guess the director wanted to get a 1875 feel for male/ female dynamics? I just think it would have worked better without the shouting and slapping towards the lead female character. I think a more sympathetic and loving portrayal would have brought greater pathos to the demise of the two lovers. Overall worth a watch it's a fairly short film and moves along at a nifty pace. I think I read it was cut down and was originally longer which would make sense as it is a bit disjointed as well. 7/10 for story , 6/10 acting 5/10 for directing.
Review of The Asphyx
