Shooting Down Pictures

An extraordinary film. I think that when people see it, they will know that Tourneur is much more than an accomplished director; his films reveal a consistent world-view (despite what some say) with repeated themes and obsessions in each of his films. This film was for me that revelation, that Tourneur was more than just the director of Cat People and Out of the Past, that he was a great director to be ranked with other luminaries of the Hollywood era. This view was enhanced and expanded by Fujiwara’s excellent analysis of Tourneur’s works. His writings on the subject are so thoroughly satisfying that I think any discussion of Tourneur would be incomplete without a discussion of that book’s insights. Looking at it now, I am really surprised that it was even published at all. I can’t imagine publishers were jumping for a book on Tourneur. Still, one must be glad that it was published at all for it is surely a pathway for other film scholars.

Despite the hokey monster that never lived up to the hype (I think the unfortunate producers have been cursed enough), the film manages to sustain its hold on the viewer’s imagination. I don’t know if I would really accept this comparison, but I think Feuillade and Tourneur share a similar atmosphere. Both often portray worlds that seem about to boil over, mad worlds where conspiracies (a Vampire gang, a devilish cult) seem ready to take over the world. These supernatural terrors (mostly unseen) haunt the frames of Tourneur’s Night of the Demon and they also keep us involved in the seemingly normal settings in Feuillade’s films. The fantastic seems ready to reveal itself at any moment, from any part of the film/non-film space.

Very nice video essay! It’s refreshing to hear prose that does not dismiss this film as hokey and superficial (empty film, good atmosphere is a reaction I still see). It is a wonderful work, worthy of its inclusion on this list. I hope that it (and Fujiwara’s book) lead to a critical reevaluation of the great director’s work.

Thanks so much Arcadean – I forwarded your comments to Chris, I’m sure he’ll appreciate reading them.

The first non-Lewton produced Tourneur film I saw was STARS IN MY CROWN a few years ago, and it did plenty to convince me that Tourneur was a singular artist in his own right, perhaps even more distinctly than NIGHT OF THE DEMON. It’s an uncommonly humanistic film that gives Ford’s HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY a run for its money. I’m looking forward to seeing CANYON PASSAGE, the final Tourneur film on my list.

This is a real treat Kevin, amazing guest! Love the closing of this video too.

Hi there I encourage all of you to leave comment here in Disqus…

Cool! Thanks for share! =)

This is a great clip. Thank you.

-Raj
http://highonhollywood.com

Cool! Thanks for share! =)

It took some time to catch on but I’ve got it now..This is a wonderful film and this is why people loved it upto extreme..

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my inernet not working properly I have bookmarked ur story i'll read it latter

respect
katiz slop
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Special thanks to Chris Fujiwara, film critic and author of

http://www.caribbean-villa-rentals.org/

for his insights and contributions to this video essay.

http://smilemakerpa.com/