Cast
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Louise Marleau
as Helene
Daniel Pilon
as Paul Drouin
Danielle Ouimet
as Virginia
Rose-Rey Duzil
as "Grandmother"
Gilles Cloutier
as
Michel Dernuet
as
Jacques Famery
as
Marie Hébert
as
Armand Labelle
as
Yvon Leblanc
as
Gayle Lorraine
as
Michel Maillot
as
Claude Michaud
as Questionning Police Officer
Henri Norbert
as
Arlette Sanders
as
Crew
Director
- Jean Beaudin
Writer
- John Dunning
- André Link
Producer
- Yrene Nold
- John Dunning
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Possession of Virginia presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jean Beaudin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Possession of Virginia took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 184 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Possession of Virginia shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wrath of Vajra, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Possession of Virginia subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rosemary's Baby and Hallowed Ground explore similar territory, The Possession of Virginia stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 10, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 26m
