Horror Extreme Movie Catalog

Edgar Allan Poe may have been the most European of our 19th century writers and so, you would think, that three masters of European cinema would give him the understanding and visuals he deserves. Actually, not so. When filtered through the lenses of Roger Vadim, Louis Malle and Fellini, Poe comes out looking more American than ever (which is probably why no one has ever topped Roger Corman in bringing Poe to the screen). "Spirits of the Dead" isn't bad. In fact, it's really very good. But Poe would probably be a little embarrassed by the end result of this movie. Sure, Poe was symbolic ... but he wasn't THAT symbolic. Not Fellini symbolic. And certainly not as obvious as Vadim and Malle. But ...

Jane Fonda is absolutely beautiful and alluring as a spoiled princess who falls for her cousin (in fact, Peter Fonda plays this part ... now that's ripe with Poe and Freud and even Dr Westheimer) and then burns down his stables when he refuses her. One of the horses comes to haunt her and lots of pretty horse-riding ensues. All nicely photographed, and compelling (my vote for the best piece in the movie).

Alain Delon plays a soldier who is dealing with his double ... a nicer and more justice-driven person than he is. Every time Delon tries to kill, injure or humiliate, this doppelganger comes in and saves the day. Delon engages in a nifty sword fight with the double and then confesses to a priest before the final, kinda silly, climax. Perhaps the most obviously symbol-driven piece in the movie.

Finally, Fellini treats us to something so loosely based on Poe, we just forget that Poe was even a starting point. We watch Terrence Stamp (who, in his youth, may have been as pretty as Jane Fonda) as he drunkenly deals with all the demons fame and fortune has dealt him. He takes out his Ferrari for some therapy and some fast driving and headlessness ensue. This one is certainly the most visually arresting of the three stories and possible the most entertaining. One can go through this segment and find something new each time.

The three masters of European cinema don't quite get Poe right, and that's a puzzler. But they combine to treat us to a very unique take on a dark and symbolic American writer. For real cinematic Poe, go to Corman's "Masque of the Red Death." For an odd treat full of weird beauty and compelling performances, "Spirits of the Dead" is your ticket to ride.

WHY did Janus(or whoever) butcher this??? This is unbelievably frustrating. No English for Toby?
DO NOT PURCHASE.