Review of Eye of the Devil (1966) by Trent R — 02 Oct 2010

Under-rated horror fun, with a Gothic and Euro-horror sensibility which may have seemed out of place at the time of release. Similarly, it features Tate and Hemmings as characters who behave in a ritualized and possibly drugged and hypnotic manner - which at first seems like simple terrible acting. Both would go on to have small but key (and tragic) impacts in horror, and it is interesting to see them here supporting such a great cast. Niven is tormented, but given to flagellating others rather than himself, and Pleasence is hilarious - sporting a funky mitre.

Kerr makes a wonderfully clever and resourceful protagonist, and it is great to see a gender reversal in horror films regarding fear of the Old World infiltrating the contemporary. Hillier's cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, panning past close-ups to sweep into castle vistas and then cut to foreground action. This holds up to repeat viewings, despite the somewhat unremarkable plot. The visual elements, cast, and curious place in cinema history make it a repeat watch.