In the then newly created ruins of what would soon be the specially constructed paradise for tourists, La Grande-Motte, Jess Franco created yet another of his complex erotic dramas - with hints of the supernatural and deeply rooted incestous themes. Lorna the Exorcist (or Exorcism, Les possédées du diable, Linda etc) is a slightly mistitled chamber play - but set in front of modern architecture, hotel rooms and nightclubs - and once again Franco proves what a master storyteller he was.
Once again, while researching this title - including reading other reviews - it strikes me how many times critics need to focus on the technical flaws of it, but hey.... that's not flaws, that's Franco. That's his style. I'm pretty sure he was fully aware of the out of focus shots, the sometimes sloppy editing etc etc - but he used it instead of trying to hide it. And yeah, it gives an extra dimension of realism. An edge found in the works of few other directors. It really enhances the dreamlike quality of the visual story. It's like you're there, in the editing room together with Franco, or in the room with Lina screaming her guts out.
It's Aware Cinema. It's there together with us, the audience.
It's been 18 years since Patrick Mariel (stuntman and actor Guy Delorme) made a deal with the devil, the devil in the form of the witch/succubus Lorna (a mesmerizing Pamela Stanford). From being a poor sucker living with this wife in a simple apartment he becomes a wealthy businessman - and his wife gives birth to a beautiful daughter, Linda (Lina Romay). Now it's time for Lorna to take what's hers according to the deal they made: Linda. But Patrick refuses and soon he's back in her web of demonic possession, and so is his wife and daughter...
Except that overly graphic and uncomfortable sex scenes (which made me even more gay than before!) this is another emtionally smart drama, once again very personal and intimate. Just like only Jess Franco could do it. The cast is one of the best I've seen in this sleazier period of Franco's filmography. Pamela Standford is sensational and actually very disturbing - maybe scary - and Guy Delorme and and Jacqueline Laurent as middle-aged couple is very good. But Lina, slowly transforming from a happy, laughing teenger to a dark, moody, sexual predator is sensational. That last scene will haunt me for a long time...
Howard Vernon also shows up in a very small part, which makes me think he maybe was there to do still photography instead of acting and just did the part for fun - he's good, as usual, but it's a part anyone could have done.
Often it's hard to describe the genius of Franco, and to those who never found the key to his craftmanship it must be impossible to even comprehend why it's so damn good. I think you, who's still a skeptic, just should stop worrying about the "flaws" and see the whole. There's a reason for everything and Franco used what he got to create exceptional dramas. You will, just like me, try to survive the almost gynecological close-up's of the nasty parts of some of the cast. It's not fun to watch, but somehow I think this movie wasn't meant to be sexy either. It goes beyond shallow things like fucking.
One of our cats, Buster, really liked Lorna also... as you can see down below ;)
"That's his style. I'm pretty sure he was fully aware of the out of focus shots, the sometimes sloppy editing etc etc - but he used it instead of trying to hide it. And yeah, it gives an extra dimension of realism. An edge found in the works of few other directors. It really enhances the dreamlike quality of the visual story."
I think I know what you mean......the flaws enchances the dreamlike state of the film....
"Except that overly graphic and uncomfortable sex scenes (which made me even more gay than before!)"
Wait....what...?
ahhahahhahah...someone should do a film with Lance Henriksen playing a gay character who falls in love with a chubby filmnerd.
"But Lina, slowly transforming from a happy, laughing teenger to a dark, moody, sexual predator is sensational. That last scene will haunt me for a long time..."
That got my attention.
"I think you, who's still a skeptic, just should stop worrying about the "flaws" and see the whole."
No, flaws doesn´t worry me......I can be very forgiving.
"There's a reason for everything and Franco used what he got to create exceptional dramas. You will, just like me, try to survive the almost gynecological close-up's of the nasty parts of some of the cast. It's not fun to watch, but somehow I think this movie wasn't meant to be sexy either. It goes beyond shallow things like fucking."
Yes, it seems to be a bit darker, maybe even a story about sexual addiction,...?
Good review and thanks Fred.
"One of our cats, Buster, really liked Lorna also... as you can see down below ;)"
If that was my cat....I WOULD HAVE SHOT IT!
hahahhahahha....no, be nice to the animals.
Posted by: Megatron | July 11, 2013 at 16:17