Fascination

A thief who is fleeing the partners that he double-crossed comes across a mansion with only two beautiful (and odd) occupants. His plan to stay until nightfall seems to be easily achievable when he finds out the home owners have no desire for him to leave.

From this simple premise Rollin creates his most engrossing work with the thief coming to realize that his greatest threat may not be the crooks outside the house but the ladies within. Though slow moving this film ratchets up the tension as midnight approaches and a mysterious ceremony is soon to begin.

Strong performances abound with special mention to frequent Rollin star Brigitte Lahaie who has never looked (or acted) better. The women in this film are all incredible and like in all of his films, Rollin shows a photographer's eye for beauty. Once again Rollin indulges in his fondness for lesbian sex scenes but they don't overpower the film like they do in some of his other works.

For anyone who has not yet seen a Rollin film, either this one or 'Grapes of death' would make excellent starters although, obviously, keep the kids away.

Fascination might be one of the better Jean Rollin films. It has a lot of stylish shots and also the plot is somewhat interesting. It has some similarity to José Ramón Larraz' 1974 film "Vampyres" though this is not as as typically vampire film.

I thought the acting was surprisingly good. The two leading female characters and the guy who arrives at the mansion had some nice chemistry both sides trying to be in control of the situation.

My favorite Rollin films are still "Lips of Blood" and perhaps "Requiem for a Vampire" but I recommend this one too if you are interested.

Some very beautiful (sometimes even naked) blood thirsty vampire ladies, the main setting a fine old Château, a gang of robbers, some blood spilled, and last but not least, Jean Rollin's fine cinematic style, voilà we get another delicious entry to oeuvre of a true master of fantasy and planet Venus. Fascination: for the fan base, without doubt eye-candy deluxe and always worth the trip.

Director Rollin once again plays out his obsessions in this tale of a secret society of women who lure men to their castle for blood ceremonies at midnight. Beautiful French countrysides, gorgeous (frequently nude) women, old castles and erotic horror are what to expect from this exploitation film with aspirations of art. The pace is slow and deliberate with no real escalation of tension as midnight comes and all is revealed. Brigitte Lahaie has real screen presence and is memorable as she stalks a victim carrying a huge scythe. Definitely worth a look as are all of Rollin's films.

I've seen only a handful of Jean Rollin films and I have to say that this one is the best yet. Though still hampered with low budget set-up and stiff acting and stilted dialogue, FASCINATION remains watchable from beginning to end. The concept is excellent and the film never gets off track from its interesting story.

This idea is so good, the film should be remade with a suitable budget and a capable cast of real actors. The whole thing would be quite spectacular. The lesbian sex scene would probably be dropped, which would disappoint Rollin fans but I wouldn't mind seeing a classy version of this film if it meant a few changes from the original.

But in the meantime, make sure to check this film out. It's worth it if you like slightly odd and out-of-character bloody dramas.