Haunting Visions of Vampire Liberation

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MOVIE REVIEW
A Jean Rollin Birthday Extravaganza!
The R*pe of the Vampire (Le viol du vampire) –
The Nude Vampire (La vampire nue) –
The Shiver of the Vampires (Le frisson des vampires) –
Requiem for a Vampire (Requiem pour un vampire) –

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1968 / 1970 / 1971 / 1972
Runtime: 1h 35m / 1h 28m / 1h 35m / 1h 5m
Director(s): Jean Rollin
Writer(s): Alain Yves Beaujour, Jean Rollin / Jean Rollin, Serge Moati / Monique Natan, Jean Rollin / Jean Rollin
Cast: Solange Pradel, Bernard Letrou, Catherine Deville / Caroline Cartier, Olivier Rollin, Maurice Lemaître / Sandra Julien, Jean-Marie Durand, Jacques Robiolles / Marie-Pierre Castel, Mireille Dargent, Philippe Gasté
Where To Watch: available now, stream here: www.redemptiontv.net

RAVING REVIEW: Redemption Films delivers a captivating homage to Jean Rollin for what would have been his 72nd birthday with a quartet of films that transform the traditional vampire narrative into a canvas for exploring darker, more existential themes. The collection, which includes THE R*PE OF THE VAMPIRE, THE NUDE VAMPIRE, THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES, and REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE, not only commemorates Rollin's unique contributions to horror cinema but also showcases his distinctive blend of surrealism and avant-garde aesthetics.

The journey begins with THE R*PE OF THE VAMPIRE, which thrusts viewers into a black-and-white world where a psychologist and his associates confront four enigmatic vampire sisters in their ancient, shadow-laden castle. Here, Rollin challenges conventional horror motifs by opting for a psychological exploration of identity rather than resorting to mere supernatural thrills. The narrative spirals into a mesmerizing chaos that blurs the boundaries between the real and the paranormal. It is propelled by a potent mix of symbolic imagery and the stark beauty of its visuals.

As the series progresses to THE NUDE VAMPIRE, Rollin dips his brush into a palette of vivid colors, crafting a narrative rich with intrigue and deception. This film turns sharply into the visually spectacular, with Pierre unraveling the sinister intentions of a covert group exploiting a woman they believe to be a vampire. Rollin's lush, saturated hues cast each scene in an otherworldly glow, enhancing the dreamlike quality that permeates the story. Despite a more structured plot, Rollin focuses on creating atmospheric depth over straightforward narrative clarity.

In THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES, Rollin delves deeper into the philosophical undercurrents of his storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a secluded castle, a young couple encounters vampiric relatives who challenge their preconceptions about freedom and norms. The film is a sensory experience, with psychedelic visual and auditory elements that enrich the dialogue-heavy screenplay.

The finale, REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE, departs from dialogue-driven storytelling, emphasizing the power of visual and auditory elements to convey its narrative instead. Beginning with an odd yet captivating car chase involving clowns, the film soon transitions into a haunting exploration of a castle's hidden secrets. The minimalist approach to dialogue heightens the eerie atmosphere, allowing the story to unfold through chilling visual and sound cues.

Rollin's films break the mold of traditional horror to offer something that is seen and felt. His approach is less about eliciting screams and more about invoking a lingering sense of intrigue and dread. Themes of transformation and breaking societal chains recur throughout his work, challenging viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the films on a deeper level.

For those with an appetite for the unconventional, Rollin’s films are a masterclass in avant-garde cinema, rich in symbolic complexity and imbued with a narrative depth that defies genre boundaries. This collection is not just a set of films but a gateway into the mind of one of Europe’s most provocative filmmakers. It offers a cinematic journey that is intellectually stimulating and visually arresting.

They combine to offer a profound tribute to Rollin’s cinematic style, providing an unforgettable voyage into realms where the fantastical and the nightmarish intertwine seamlessly. It’s a celebration of the macabre, crafted with unparalleled creativity and depth, forever solidifying Rollin’s legacy in the annals of film history.

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[photo courtesy of REDEMPTION FILMS]

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