Review of I Walked with a Zombie (1943) by Oliver S — 30 Jun 2008

Some people might have heard of this film by way of Roky Erickson's song of the same title (or REM's cover of that song); for me, it was always one of those movies I *meant* to see but just never did.

Finally, I did, and was pleasantly surprised at how well-executed a film it is, rising above its decidedly "b-movie" status by virtue of the excellent attention to atmosphere, lighting, and sound.

In fact, the cinematography and audio are so well-done that they almost stand out as characters in and of themselves. The moody and sometimes dream-like atmosphere gives a gothic tinge to this tale of voodoo rituals in the West Indies.

The audio is exceptionally well done, everything from the distant drumming of voodoo rituals, to the spectral, creepy sobbing of the somnambulist plantation wife, to even minor details like the rustling of leaves or the echoing of footsteps in the vault-like chambers of the main house.

The director Jacques Tourneur should get at least as much credit as Val Lewton. I like this as much as Seventh Victim, and more than Cat People, which seems to be the most celebrated film of this duo.