The Asphyx

This is one of those rare small movies which has a great plot, decent special effects (for the time), and good acting. For the horror/sci-fi fan who does not require gore and shock value to enjoy a movie, this is a real treat. There are some minor flaws if you look closely, but they do not detract from the film as a whole. It is the atmosphere of the film which raises it above other works of the same era. I wish they could remake it with modern computer graphics and retain the same quaint eeriness, but I don't think modern audiences care much about atmosphere. Out of ten, I would give it a solid eight.

Immortality is a virtue that man has sought after since the dawn of history and now one man has found it. I originally rented this movie because, quite frankly, I was intrigued by the tag line. And boy did my interest pay off. I found one of the best films I have ever seen. From the beginning that you won't understand until they end to the subtle plot turns along the way. This film raises the questions " Once you've obtained immortality, what's next?" and "In the end, is it really worth it?"

Avoiding death and what happens when we die have been recurring themes throughout all art forms since the dawning of time. Despite the fact that there are a lot of films that handle similar themes, The Asphyx stands out for it's original and intriguing exaction. The film hasn't gained itself the best reputation in the three decades since its release, and it was apparently ignored upon its introduction to the general public. This isn't surprising - The Asphyx takes elements from supernatural horror and there's a little bit of sci-fi involved, but selling this film couldn't have been easy as there's no way to pigeon hole it. The plot focuses on Hugo Cunningham - a man who discovers that when we die, what's called an 'Asphyx' appears. After conducting a few experiments, Hugo presupposes that if one were to capture this Asphyx, then that person would never be able to die. He then proceeds to test the procedure on himself, and after becoming immortal decides he wants his young assistant and daughter; who want to get married, to become immortal also…

The Asphyx is a British film set in Victorian times, and director Peter Newbrook does an excellent job of producing the period setting. The film was obviously made on a budget, and as such it doesn't exactly compete with some of the bigger budget films set around the same time; but still the director gets the point across. The special effects are a little hokey, but they work really well. The main standout where the effects are concerned are with the 'Asphyx' itself, and personally I'd much rather the effects shown here than the CGI rubbish we have nowadays. The acting is decent, with Robert Stephens being the main standout in the lead role, and receiving good support from Robert Powell. Jane Lapotaire is something of a weak link in my opinion as she's a little flat, but it's not too important. The film has a great premise, but in order for a premise to work, it needs a good plot too and this film certainly has that. The film is not predictable for most of its duration, and the drama between the central characters is always interesting enough to hold the audience's attention. The ending is both haunting and memorable, and overall; it has to be said that The Asphyx is a film that deserves more wide recognition!

I bought a copy of this thru eBay. It was the old VHS, untouched by digitization. I would recommend that one purchase the newer DVD. I have heard that the color and saturation is much improved.

As for Sir Robert's performance, and Mr. Powell's: Quite extraordinary. Even the effects are quite futurist for the date that this was filmed.

There is a bit of violence, involving two men and a guinea pig, so be aware of some disgust with relation to that. But by far, if you want to be enthralled by Sir Robert, and coo at Powell, you're in for a rare treat. I can't believe this one was out there for so long before I found it! Truly needs to be placed in the "Hall of Horror", since it is nearly on the level of the old Vincent Price works, like "Mask of Red Death" and "The Raven". Get it, and treasure it as one of Sir Robert's few performances still available.

The Asphyx is a 1972 British horror film directed by Peter Newbrook. The film follows a group of scientists in Victorian England who discover a way to capture the asphyx, a mythical creature said to be responsible for death. However, their obsession with capturing the asphyx leads them down a dangerous and deadly path.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Asphyx is its concept. The idea of a mythical creature that is responsible for death is intriguing, and the film explores this concept in a unique and captivating way. The scientists' obsession with capturing the asphyx leads to some truly chilling moments, and the film's exploration of the nature of death is thought-provoking.

The film is also highly entertaining. It's a horror film that manages to be both scary and engaging. The cinematography is well-done, with some truly eerie shots that effectively build tension. The use of practical effects is also impressive, and the film's special effects are still effective today.

However, one of the film's weaknesses is the acting. While some of the performances are strong, others come off as a bit hokey. Some of the dialogue and line delivery can be cheesy and take away from the film's overall impact. This can be especially jarring during some of the more intense moments, which can lose their impact due to the over-the-top acting.

Despite this, The Asphyx is still a highly enjoyable and entertaining horror film. Its concept and execution are strong enough to overcome any acting weaknesses. It's a film that manages to be both intriguing and engaging, with some truly memorable moments. The film's exploration of death and the consequences of human obsession is a theme that still resonates with audiences today, making The Asphyx a horror classic that should not be missed.