'The Possessed' is a haunting atmospheric Italian Giallo flick that thrives in its gothic film noir tones and compelling narrative which is clouded in mystery and uncertainty. The movie is a curious yet fascinating little gem that is often overlooked within the Giallo genre.
The plot = A writer Bernard (Peter Baldwin) goes to visit Alleghe a small resort town during the off-season and once there he finds out that his old flame Tilde (Virna Lisi) committed suicide under suspicious circumstances which prompts him to investigate the town's secrets.
The movie's production is stellar where both directors Luigi Bazzoni and Franco Rossellini creates an off-kilter and dream-like atmosphere with excellent use of shadows and lighting as well as the stunning black and white visuals which adds to the overall weirdness of the film. There's enough tension and ambiguity to sustain interest throughout as you're never entirely certain of what's real or is just a fantasy. Now this flick is certainly might not be to everyone's taste, as the slow pacing and confusing narrative may be a bit off putting to some viewers, but personally I found it interesting.
Overall 'The Possessed' may be a bit too smart for casual viewers, but thanks to its stellar cast, striking visuals and intriguing mystery, the movie is a treat for any fans of the genre and should be more talked about.
The plot = A writer Bernard (Peter Baldwin) goes to visit Alleghe a small resort town during the off-season and once there he finds out that his old flame Tilde (Virna Lisi) committed suicide under suspicious circumstances which prompts him to investigate the town's secrets.
The movie's production is stellar where both directors Luigi Bazzoni and Franco Rossellini creates an off-kilter and dream-like atmosphere with excellent use of shadows and lighting as well as the stunning black and white visuals which adds to the overall weirdness of the film. There's enough tension and ambiguity to sustain interest throughout as you're never entirely certain of what's real or is just a fantasy. Now this flick is certainly might not be to everyone's taste, as the slow pacing and confusing narrative may be a bit off putting to some viewers, but personally I found it interesting.
Overall 'The Possessed' may be a bit too smart for casual viewers, but thanks to its stellar cast, striking visuals and intriguing mystery, the movie is a treat for any fans of the genre and should be more talked about.