Cast
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Philippe Leroy
as Roderick Usher
Nino Castelnuovo
as William Wilson
Janet Ågren
as Eleanor Usher
Erika Blanc
as Woman on the Roadside
Gastone Moschin
as The Judge
Maria Rosaria Omaggio
as Woman in the Portrait
Umberto Orsini
as Robert Usher
Dagmar Lassander
as Ligeia
Vanni Materassi
as Seymour
Giuseppe Pertile
as Dr. Brooks
Victoria Zinny
as Miss Crown
Silvia Dionisio
as Morella
Francesco Capitano
as Leonard Fire
Licinia Lentini
as Betty
Sergio Doria
as Barry
Crew
Director
- Daniele D'Anza
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Fantasy/Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Fantastic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Daniele D'Anza 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 1979, 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 Fantastic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 241 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 279 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- 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 Fantastic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Stir of Echoes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Fantastic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Haunting and Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island explore similar territory, The Fantastic Tales of Edgar Allan Poe 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 11, 1979
- Runtime: 4h 1m
