Exorcism [Blu-ray] [1974] [US Import]

Whereas most films based on the concept of 'exorcism' deal with some sort of demonic possession and attempts by 'the clergy' to rid the inflicted individual of 'the devilish' influence - Spanish exploitation master Jess Franco managed to turn the concept on its' head in his (1974) version titled: "Exorcism". Apparently, 'this one' was potentially 'so much fun' that Franco wanted to 'play' as well as 'direct' - so he personally took on the lead role of the 'de-frocked' murderous priest who is the main protagonist of the piece. For those who 'appreciate' Franco's, somewhat clunky, style of serving up sexploitational 'thrills' this flik REALLY delivers! The film has barely started to roll when the screen is filled with a massive close up of a totally nekkid Lina Romay chained to a x-frame cross as another naked girl whips her then 'sacrifices' her in a satanic ritual in front of a room full of eagerly watching people. 'Fortunately' (because it would be a shame to dismiss the lovely Ms Romay so early on in the plot!) it turns out that this is just a 'show' put on to amuse a group of jaded 'libertines', and we are introduced to the various players who are involved in this on-going ritual of performing simulated 'Black Masses'.

As the little Amazon review blurb states - Franco's character is presented (initially) as a contributing author to an erotic magazine who specializes in tales of sadism and inquisitional style tortures. His clerical 'roots' are revealed as the plot moves forward and the body count of attractive female participants in the Black Mass 'performances' starts to grow. At some point the police become involved and the bulk of the film follows the 'investigations' by both the forces of law & order, and the group of people who are being targeted by the serial killer. The 'exorcism' element seems to derive from the belief that Franco's deranged priest character has - that he is 'purifying' the 'evil' from the souls of his victims by 'dispatching' them to a pure 'afterlife'.

This is one of Franco's earlier films and there is a wonderful transgressive freshness to it that has helped to establish its' ranking among 'the favorites' of his fans. It certainly is loaded with more S&M imagery than some of his flix - the plot device of the 'satanic ritual' offers the perfect 'excuse' to have a fettered naked girl on view every few minutes, and when they aren't being 'faux sacrificed' the women in the film are busy engaging in other sexual dalliances of one permutation or another. There is even a (rare for Franco) scene of female domination enacted. Rabid Francophiles often have appreciated his use of the female pubic bush as a focal point for beginning and ending scenes and "Exorcism' offers numerous examples of this creative filmic device! This flick is just gleefully awash in naked female flesh & stage blood - in the tradition of the infamous Grand Guignol theatre, and presents Franco at his early peak - before he became somewhat jaded & formulaic in attempting to repeat his own exploitational 'successes'.

If you are a Franco fan, this film is a 'must have'... if you are new to the twisted world of Franco's cinematic vision "Exorcism" would be as good a place as any to sample his talents. BUT - be fore-warned... he can be 'addictive'!

Director Jess Franco's 'EXORCISM' aka 'EXORCISME ET MESSES NOIRES' aka 'SEXORCISMES'-1974/1975 is a true anomaly in his repertoire. There are at least three different versions out there similar to his other release 'FEMALE VAMPIRE' aka 'LA COMTESSE NOIRE'-1973 and here Redemption has released both the softcore version and its Horror version which was recut in 1979 by the studio Franco was utilizing -Eurocine- and added a different storyline but including footage shot back in 1974 (sounds confusing? it is) and releasing it as 'THE SADIST OF NOTRE DAME' aka 'EL SADICO DE NOTRE DAME'. It doesn't stop there. Charles Band who owned Wizard Video in the Eighties released the Horror version in VHS as 'DEMONIAC' which trimmed the films running time to 79 minutes. Synapse films got a hold of the 'EXORCISM' version and released it on DVD in its 94 minute version and this is the transfer that Redemption has released. The quality is almost identical but since it is Blu-Ray, a bit sharper. 'SEXORCISMES' is available in bootleg copies and has inserted hard core footage not shot by Franco included in it. Redemption, however, does not have the audio commentary track between Franco and his muse, actress Lina Romay so you might want to hold on to your Synapse DVD. Franco's tale of an ex-priest turned horror novelist can now be appreciated because of the availability of his other titles on the home video market. It contains a performance act by Lina Romay and actress Nadine Pascal similar to the ones included in his films 'SUCCUBUS' aka 'NECRONOMICON'- 1967 and 'VAMPYROS LESBOS'-1970. Franco plays the main character and witnesses the performance Black Mass thinking its the real thing kicking his priestly brainwashing into high gear and psychotically cleansing all the impure women he can find. The 'DEMONIAC' version has the character excaping from an insane asylum and becomes a serial writer for a magazine causing him to write about his own crimes. 'EXORCISM' utilizes the music of composer Andre Benichou who was memorable with his guitar score for Franco's 'LORNA THE EXORCIST' aka 'LES POSSEDEES DU DIABLE'-1974 where as 'DEMONIAC' has Daniel White doing the music tonalities with photography credited to P.Van Leenart but it is obvious that Franco is behind the camera. 'EXORCISM' is in its French Language with optional English subtitles and 'DEMONIAC' is the English dubbed version. All in all, this release is wonderful in that it gives the viewer and Franco fans both versions of films that share his vision of censorship and sexual repression. If you have the Synapse DVD, you may not want to go the extra money for an upgrade but if you are a completist, this release is for you. Trailers for other Redemption releases are its only extras.

"Exorcism"(1975) is directed by Jess Franco (Female Vampire, Eugenie). This film is about a defrocked priest who goes about killing those whom he thinks are involved in a black mass.

This film was digitally remastered, but it has not been restored. Numerous instances of dust are on the image from beginning to end, however this seems to lend to the film an archaic quality, like watching an old black and white film, even though this movie is in colour. The black levels, contrast, and colour are fine. This film has been dubbed in English. There are no subtitles available. The only special feature is an alternate shorter cut of the film (Demoniac) with less explicit scenes. Amusingly many of the exact same scenes were filmed again, but with the actors wearing clothes.

This film, is so awesome to be watching in High Definition!!!

For Jess Franco fans, fans of exploitation, and open minded horror fans, this movie is necessary viewing. Ranks in the top tier of Franco movies just beneath my favorite of his films, Female Vampire.