Sometimes the means one has to watch a movie can itself impact how well the movie comes across. I always prefer subtitles to dubbing, and there's no better example of why than when only a dubbed version is available - and the dub is plainly deficient. This is definitely true of 1974 Spanish genre flick 'Devil's possessed'; would that this were its only flaw. There is, still, much to enjoy here, and it's worth checking out, but it does have its problems.
Blending swashbuckling elements with significant horror vibes, this is fun but curious. On the one hand we see swordfights and grandiose stunts against the backdrop of harsh and cruel governance; on the other hand, torture, sorcery, and Satanic worship. Why, is this "Robin Hood, but make it Satanic?" Both facets are very well executed, together building a story that's fairly compelling, if direct and heavy-handed. Scenes of violence are finely orchestrated, whether adventurous action or more gnarly brutality. The production design and art direction at large are splendid; perhaps less robustly vibrant than in contemporary British titles (especially those of Hammer), we're nonetheless treated to excellent costume design, hair and makeup work, set pieces, props and weapons, and an otherwise feast for the eyes. Blood, gore, and effects look great, and the narrative and scene writing are very strong despite their curtness. I also quite like Carlos Viziello's original score, though it too is peculiar as themes vary from early, experimental electronic music with pensive overtones, to dramatic orchestral ambience, to light and jaunty tunes.
Meanwhile, audio in the picture is overall troubled: music and environmental sounds cut out very abruptly; the sound mix is notably imbalanced, such that no matter the volume one selects, the result is always grating on the ears; what we hear is often fundamentally warbled, like a vinyl record that has suffered from exposure to extremes of temperature. There's a certain stilted pacing to the direction of some scenes, and assuming that the dubbed dialogue accurately reflects Paul Naschy's script, the dialogue itself is often blunt and inelegant. Solid as the title is generally, there are moments where the relative lack of detail in a scene betrays the seeming limited resources to go into days of filming. And once more to emphasize, there's no mistaking the brusqueness of plot development.
For whatever shortcomings it bears, however, more than not I still think 'Devil's possessed' is a good bit of fun. The filming locations are choice, and despite faults, one can readily recognize the hard work, passion, and earnest intent that went into making this. León Klimovsky's direction, Francisco Sánchez's cinematography, and Antonio Ramírez de Loaysa's editing are all more capable than not. Naschy's writing has some issues, but is broadly suitable and engaging as he mixes genres and tells his story. And if unremarkable in the grand scheme of things, I think the cast are pretty swell as they help to bring the tale to life. Most impressive among the ensemble, I'd argue, are Naschy himself as the cruel Barón Gilles de Lancré, and Norma Sebrelle as his proverbial Lady Macbeth, Georgelle; both demonstrate greater nuance in their acting than their co-stars, and I commend them.
Uneven in various ways as it presents, the weaknesses never completely overshadow the entertainment value. There's a lot going on here, and it's a little odd, but ultimately I can't bring myself to overly nitpick a production that only wants to tell a good story and have a good time. I don't think you need to go out of your way for it, but if you have the chance to watch 'Devil's possessed,' it's a delightful way to spend 90 minutes.
Blending swashbuckling elements with significant horror vibes, this is fun but curious. On the one hand we see swordfights and grandiose stunts against the backdrop of harsh and cruel governance; on the other hand, torture, sorcery, and Satanic worship. Why, is this "Robin Hood, but make it Satanic?" Both facets are very well executed, together building a story that's fairly compelling, if direct and heavy-handed. Scenes of violence are finely orchestrated, whether adventurous action or more gnarly brutality. The production design and art direction at large are splendid; perhaps less robustly vibrant than in contemporary British titles (especially those of Hammer), we're nonetheless treated to excellent costume design, hair and makeup work, set pieces, props and weapons, and an otherwise feast for the eyes. Blood, gore, and effects look great, and the narrative and scene writing are very strong despite their curtness. I also quite like Carlos Viziello's original score, though it too is peculiar as themes vary from early, experimental electronic music with pensive overtones, to dramatic orchestral ambience, to light and jaunty tunes.
Meanwhile, audio in the picture is overall troubled: music and environmental sounds cut out very abruptly; the sound mix is notably imbalanced, such that no matter the volume one selects, the result is always grating on the ears; what we hear is often fundamentally warbled, like a vinyl record that has suffered from exposure to extremes of temperature. There's a certain stilted pacing to the direction of some scenes, and assuming that the dubbed dialogue accurately reflects Paul Naschy's script, the dialogue itself is often blunt and inelegant. Solid as the title is generally, there are moments where the relative lack of detail in a scene betrays the seeming limited resources to go into days of filming. And once more to emphasize, there's no mistaking the brusqueness of plot development.
For whatever shortcomings it bears, however, more than not I still think 'Devil's possessed' is a good bit of fun. The filming locations are choice, and despite faults, one can readily recognize the hard work, passion, and earnest intent that went into making this. León Klimovsky's direction, Francisco Sánchez's cinematography, and Antonio Ramírez de Loaysa's editing are all more capable than not. Naschy's writing has some issues, but is broadly suitable and engaging as he mixes genres and tells his story. And if unremarkable in the grand scheme of things, I think the cast are pretty swell as they help to bring the tale to life. Most impressive among the ensemble, I'd argue, are Naschy himself as the cruel Barón Gilles de Lancré, and Norma Sebrelle as his proverbial Lady Macbeth, Georgelle; both demonstrate greater nuance in their acting than their co-stars, and I commend them.
Uneven in various ways as it presents, the weaknesses never completely overshadow the entertainment value. There's a lot going on here, and it's a little odd, but ultimately I can't bring myself to overly nitpick a production that only wants to tell a good story and have a good time. I don't think you need to go out of your way for it, but if you have the chance to watch 'Devil's possessed,' it's a delightful way to spend 90 minutes.