Review of Spirits of the Dead (1968) by John A — 24 May 2015

Spirits Of The Dead is a 1968 horror anthology based on the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, & with each section being directed by gifted professionals each one deserves an individual review.

Metzengerstein.

Directed By Roger Vadim, this first segment focuses on a debauched heiress leading a life of Caligula would commend. The countess becomes tormented by the denial of her incestuous desire for her cousin. Upon hearing of his death she becomes convinced that his spirit lives on inside his horse. Starring Jane & Peter Fonda, this one is a bit on the weird side & is also a bit slow on pace. Jane Fonda's performance however outshines this story as she gives a wonderful performance, sadly I didn't enjoy this first section as it is actually pretty well produced.

William Wilson.

Louis Malle directs Alain Delon As William Wilson, an Austrian soldier who is haunted by his doppelgänger, tormenting him when he is most cruel & sadistic. Wilson is also a well written piece with a great performance by Delon. A well produced short thats also entertaining. Also stars Bridget Bardot.

Toby Dammit.

Federico Fellini's closing story stars Terence Stamp as Toby Dammit, an actor arriving in Italy to meet the producers of his new film, the first catholic western. Drugged & drunk, Dammit is disturbed by the haunting image of the devil, which like Mario Bava's "Kill, Baby... Kill!" & Bunuel's "Simon of the Desert", is actually a young girl, ominously bouncing a ball. Dammit is the best of all the segments its a weird and thoroughly entertaining tale of man's decent into madness through alcohol and hallucinations. Excellently developed with an incredible performance by Stamp.