L'esprit de la mort

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.

Nineteenth century , England , a mad doctor is studying death when he discovers the Asphyx , an obscure supernatural power , it is the key to immortality on the subject . Nice and enjoyable terror fim made in Hammer or Amicus style with a distinguished cast , creepy scenes and fine interpretation . This eerie movie deals with a man : Robert Stephens who attempts to trap the spirit of death but things go awry when he practices his experlments with his descendants : Arliss, Jane Lapotaire and adopted son , Robert Powell .

Scary picture with a promising notion in which a scientist discovers an aura that surrounds persons just before they die ; however , his irresponsability in unleashing the rare entity on the world brings a swarm of unforeseen consequences , ominous distresses , irreversible problems and grisly murders . There is an interesting as well as riveting glimpse into Victorian psychological research with engaging theories, though does take some incredible happenings , even by the the standards of this peculiar genre . Strong cast formed by good Brit actors such as Robert Stephens giving a theatrical delivery as a doctor delves deeper into his research finding extraordinary surprises , Jane Lapotaire as his daughter , Fiona Walker and Robert Powell .

It displays a weird but adequate score by Bill McGuffie . As well as an attractive production design by the great designer John Stoll . Appropriate and evocative cinematography by the prestigious Freddie Young who has a notorious career as cameraman such as Salomon and Queen Sabah, Ryan' s daughter, Lawrence Arabia , Doctor Zhivago , Lord Jim . This high-class terror /SciFi motion picture was compellingly directed by Peter Newbrook , being his only film . Newbrook had an important career in the camera and electric department , as a cinematographer and as a producer , including titles as Crucible of terror, Saturday night out , Press for time , That kind of girl, The green scarf , Green Helmet , 4 horsemen of Apocalypse , Anastasia , Farewell to arms , Deep blue sea , The Sandwich man , Vampires , among others . Rating : 7/10 , above average. Well worth seeing for the terror buffs . Essential and indispensable watching .

Life after death - or rather what happens at the moment when our soul leaves our body (if you believe we have a soul that is)? This high brow concept and the capturing of an essence felt a bit like the Hammer horror tropes. I was fortunate enough to buy the restored version of this. The DVD did show the difference between this version and the one previously released - it would be unfair to judge the movie based on that meddled version, which cropped and "Pan&Scan" too.

Anyway, if you are aware of the "classic" horror movies you will have a sense of what to expect. For other viewers it is important to keep in mind that there was a formula and a mood these movies followed. You may feel that they are annoying or boring or something else that is unpleasant to watch. But the art direction, the camera and the acting is spot on - or at least as intended (yes drama baby! You had to have it)

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?"

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.