Cast
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Orson Welles
as Cassavius
Susan Hampshire
as Nancy / Euryale / Alice / Nurse / Charlotte
Michel Bouquet
as Charles Dideloo
Mathieu Carrière
as Jan
Jean-Pierre Cassel
as Lampernisse
Daniel Pilon
as Mathias Crook
Walter Rilla
as Eisengott
Dora van der Groen
as Sylvie Dideloo
Charles Janssens
as Philarette
Sylvie Vartan
as Bets
Jet Naessens
as Eleonora
Cara Van Wersch
as Rosalie
Jenny Van Santvoort
as Elodie
Fanny Winkler
as Mother Griboin
Robert Lussac
as Griboin
Crew
Director
- Harry Kümel
Producer
- Ritta Laffargue
- Paul Laffargue
- Pierre Levie
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Fantasy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Malpertuis presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Harry Kümel 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1971, 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 Malpertuis took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 125 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 178 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 400 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Malpertuis shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Malpertuis offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rosemary's Baby and Shrek explore similar territory, Malpertuis stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 2, 1971
- Runtime: 2h 5m
