Witchfinder General
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Movie Reviews of Witchfinder General
Movie Review: My Pivotal Film Experience.
Summary: 5 Stars
Every lover of film has had a pivotal film experience, the movie that made such an impact on them that they have never forgotten it. For me WITCHFINDER GENERAL is that film. I first saw it in 1969 as THE CONQUERER WORM (AIP's American release title designed to cash in on the Vincent Price/Edgar Allan Poe series although the movie has nothing to do with Poe). I was 17 years old, just about to complete my junior year of high school in Greenville SC, and was a big fan of the Roger Corman/Vincent Price Poe series. I had seen very few films that would not qualify as G rated. The ratings system had just been introduced the year before and this film was rated M (for mature audiences, later GP then PG). It was a complete shock to the system in every way. It was the first time I had seen nudity/lovemaking before and the violence was painful and ugly. Vincent Price was cold and hard without a trace of his usual mannerisms and therefore not sympathetic in the least. To top it all off there was no happy ending and people were worse off than they were before. Of course these things had been in films since the silent era but it was the first time I had seen them and we always remember our firsts.
I have seen just about everything in the movies since then but seeing WITCHFINDER nearly 40 years later I'm amazed at how well it holds up. I am happy to report that after years of substandard VHS and Region 2 DVD editions this version features the original director's cut and restores the original soundtrack which was not available in America. An added bonus is the commentary which features star Ian Ogilvy that fills in the background of the making of the film. For those who don't know, the film is set during the English Civil War and pits two young lovers against a sadistic Puritan witchfinder. The director, Michael Reeves, died shortly afterwards of an accidental prescription drug overdose at the age of 25. The 5 star rating is purely subjective because of the important part it played in my overall movie development but it's a solid 4 star film anyway.
Movie Review: Witch Finding Crookedness
Summary: 5 Stars
I found Vincent Prices performance in this movie delightful as with most his work. For some reason his role felt perfect for him and his presence onscreen is fantastic to see. This is the type of movie that I could of seen really happening during witch trials given the time period. The craziness of people were getting the best of them and would surely go along with these men or be cut down themselves. I had never heard of Witchfinder till a couple days ago and found certain parts to make me say "ouch". The movie really didn't have much to do with actual witch hunting as so much as the time period. I felt so much more could of been done to create a feeling of dread amongst mass so called witch killing. I guess most people have an idea of what did occur at the time but there just wasn't enough witch hunting to go along with the title. It did show corruption that could go along with such a power position. Though given the brutality it kind of made up for the lack of hunting. I did feel the movie came apart close to the end when it turned more into a revenge flick instead of a cleaver departure of the villain. Vincent was a very dark figure along with his goons in this film and you hope for revenge but I necessarily didn't want it. I was hoping for more story and less revenge but I guess that is how this story goes. Vincent Price is the biggest reason to watch this flick since he always shines in his roles even if a film stinks. Witchfinder is one of Vincent Prices more violent and darker flicks than what I have seen so far though I haven't seen absolutely all of his films but I have seen a lot.
The video and audio quality is very nice on the dvd with nice color. The special features include a interview and I think a trailer but that's basically it. Overall fans of Vincent Price should not miss even though this movie is kind of hit or miss.
Movie Review: The Original Torture Prn.
Summary: 5 Stars
Witchfinder General also know as The Conqueror Worm based on a poem from Edgar Allan Poe is a revenge tale inspired by Matthew Hopkins who made a lucrative career seeking out witches and devil worshipers in 17th century England.
Witchfinder General is the September October Cult Pick in Film Comment Magazine and Maitland McDonagh writes that director Michael Reeves badgered and bullied the self parody and camp mannerisms out of the horror icon Vincent Price. Price himself admitted that the "kid had browbeaten him into a subtle, utterly chilling performance as a sanctimonious opportunist." I think Reeves strategy was a success as this is the best I have seen Vincent Price.
The film pushes the limits and horror fans of revenge tales such as Wes Craven's Last House on the Left will enjoy and the end was reminiscent of Toby Hooper's ending of his original classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It's torture horror with great atmosphere, (when it's nightime in the movie it's actually dark and nightime), scenery, with an actual story.
THE DVD:
The midnite movies version has Paul Ferris's orchestral score.
The Transfer looked amazing and for the price you can't beat this film.
Movie Review: One of Vincent Price's best
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is somewhat of a departure for Vincent Price. Here, here is not a supernatural ghoul or goblin, but depicts Matthew Hopkins, a real historical figure who tortured innocents in the name of the cross. This is probably his best performance.
The torture and violence is graphic, but doesnt linger so long on screen as to become distasteful, as in say: "Ilsa, She-Wolf of the S.S.". While this film is definitely not for children, it could probably be safely viewed by an intelligent 11-13 kid without totally warping their mind. There is a love scene, but no graphic nudity. To my recollection there is no real swearing (cursing). There is some gore, but again, tame by the standards of today's R-rated movies.
I wont give away the plot, as the less you know about the movie before viewing, the more you will get out of it. In short, it is a stylistic piece of horror set against a historical backdrop. Many scenes are set against the rural English countryside and village which adds to the atmospheric intrigue. The ending is not easily forgotten and may really shock younger viewers.
A good, creepy, Halloween movie starring Vincent Price.
Movie Review: Witches, Witches Everywhere...
Summary: 5 Stars
Matthew Hopkins (Vincent Price) is in the witchfinding business. He travels the countryside, fulfilling his calling as God's judge, looking for witches to eradicate. It's the 1640s, and business is good! Europe is awash in ignorance and superstition. It is the perfect time for the WITCHFINDER GENERAL to apply his techniques in order to seek out and destroy the many children of satan. What is a witch? Why, anyone who displays characteristics that Hopkins says are witch-like. Thankfully, Hopkins is a reasonable, fair-minded man. He'll use only sanctioned torture to extract confessions, followed by a quick hanging or burning at the stake. Of course, Hopkins will collect a lot of gold for his services. After all, witch-hunting is hard work! WITCHFINDER GENERAL is a tale of religious insanity, greed, and murder. Price is at his best, portraying Hopkins as a ruthless, relentless zealot w/ no regard for anything other than his mission (and its monetary rewards). He'll even sleep w/ several beautiful, young witches if he has to! It's all part of the job. WG is a horror movie about human monsters and the people who create them...