Review of Eyes Without a Face (1960) by Cecilia I — 24 Feb 2011

Stark, surreal and almost poetically beautiful, Eyes Without a Face is likely to be the most unique film I've seen in a very long time. The visual composition surges with grace, right down to every last detail, and it all feels summarized by that bizarre mask that Christiane wears. A perfect face hiding something truly horrible.

This film made me feel many ways - touched, curious, horrified, darkly amused, nervous, shocked, sad. It is both human and inhuman at the same time, striving desperately to lend dignity to the barbaric practices that the doctor runs through. It is hard to find a clear villain, and when the film finishes you're left unsure as to where your allegiances lie. Eyes Without a Face is clearly-written and structured extremely well, but it is not immune to ambiguity. Fortunately, it only adds to the mystery of the film, rather than detracting from it.

The movie can't help but fall victim to the problems inherent in any 50-year-old horror movie, but it is still extraordinarily crafted. See this.