Rollin’s Realm: Between Dream and Dread

Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Escape to the World of Jean Rollin
The Iron Rose (La Rose de Fer)
The Living Dead Girl (La Morte Vivante)
Killing Car (Femme Dangereuse)
The Yellow Lovers (Les Amours Jaunes)

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Action, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1972 / 1982 / 1993 / 1958, 2024 Redemption TV Movie Night Bundle
Runtime: 1h 25m / 1h 39m / 1h 39m
Director(s): Jean Rollin
Writer(s): Tristan Corbière, Maurice Lemaître, Jean Rollin / Jean Rollin, Jacques Ralf / Jean-Claude Roy / Claude Mann, Tristan Corbière
Cast: Françoise Pascal, Hugues Quester, Mireille Dargent / Marina Pierro, Françoise Blanchard, Mike Marshall / Tiki Tsang, Frederique Haymann, Jean-Jacques Lefeuvre / Jean Denisse, Dominique Vidal, Guy Huiban
Where To Watch: available now here: www.redemptiontv.net

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to a foray into Jean Rollin's uniquely atmospheric cinema, as presented by Redemption TV's collection. With Rollin's penchant for the avant-garde, this anthology—comprising THE IRON ROSE, THE LIVING DEAD GIRL, KILLING CAR, and the brief yet significant THE YELLOW LOVERS—invites viewers into realms where reality collides with the surreal. Each piece in this collection not only entertains but also provokes thought, weaving narratives that explore the darker, often overlooked corners of the human experience.

THE IRON ROSE is where Rollin's knack for atmospheric storytelling shines brightest. Here, what begins as a simple romantic escape to a cemetery (deal with it, lol) becomes a harrowing encounter with the supernatural. The setting encapsulates the couple as they find themselves lost not only among the tombstones but also in their psychological descent. The film’s extended silences and sparse dialogue amplify the eerie solitude, enveloping viewers in a chilling exploration of love and lunacy. Françoise Pascal’s performance captures this transformation, showcasing her descent from serenity to madness, making it a standout example of character evolution in horror cinema.

Rollin's visual style is a distinct hallmark of his films, characterized by his use of vibrant colors and stark contrasts that intensify the surreal quality of his narratives. His cinematography often employs unusual angles and framing to create a sense of disorientation and intrigue, drawing viewers deeper into the psychological turmoil experienced by the characters. The interplay of light and shadow in scenes enhances the mood and accentuates the thematic elements of isolation and the unknown. This meticulous attention to visual detail ensures that each scene is seen and felt, making Rollin’s films a feast for the eyes and the mind.

Switching gears, THE LIVING DEAD GIRL presents a gothic tale of resurrection gone awry. Catherine Valmont is revived not by mystical forces but by a chemical spill, leading to a heartbreaking struggle between her monstrous new instincts and lingering human emotions. Her relationship with her lifelong friend Helene introduces a thrilling dynamic of loyalty mixed with manipulation, blurring moral boundaries and heightening the narrative’s emotional stakes. This story arc provides a unique take on zombie lore and delves deep into themes of identity and morality, framed by Rollin’s signature eerie aesthetic.

Then there’s KILLING CAR, which ramps up the pace with a vengeful flair. This film follows the mysterious "Car Woman," played by Tiki Tsang. Her campaign of vengeance leaves a trail of both bodies and “toy cars,” adding a quirky yet macabre touch to her killings. Rollin’s integration of pulp elements with a noir twist creates an unpredictably thrilling ride that’s as visually engaging as narratively compelling.

Lastly, THE YELLOW LOVERS offers a glimpse into Rollin’s early work. This brief but impactful short film blends poetry with visual storytelling to create a poignant exploration of isolation and despair. It utilizes stark beachside visuals and reflective voiceovers to convey profound existential themes.

Overall, this collection offers a portal into a world where the line between the eerie and the existential is beautifully blurred. Ideal for newcomers and seasoned cinephiles alike, these films promise a journey into the heart of avant-garde cinema, filled with complex characters, intricate plots, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography.

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[photo courtesy of REDEMPTION TV, SALVATION FILMS]

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