Once every year or two a movie comes along that brings fresh energy to the found-footage horror movie, a terrain that’s been mercilessly, repetitiously over-tilled since “The Blair Witch Project” broke out a quarter-century ago. Unfortunately, “In Our Blood” does not capture that prize for 2024. Though a notch above the subgenre’s norm in terms of acting and production polish, documentarian Pedro Kos’ first narrative feature — in which two filmmakers investigate mysterious disappearances around Las Cruces, New Mexico — ultimately teases expectations too long en route to an underwhelming resolution.
With overt horror elements delayed until the last 20 minutes or so, the film ends up feeling like an attenuated prologue for a series in the general conceptual (if not budgetary) wheelhouse of “Blade” or “Underworld.” But it’s anyone’s guess whether this Fantasia premiere will spark the kind of enthusiasm that merits a single follow-up, let alone several.
Emily...
With overt horror elements delayed until the last 20 minutes or so, the film ends up feeling like an attenuated prologue for a series in the general conceptual (if not budgetary) wheelhouse of “Blade” or “Underworld.” But it’s anyone’s guess whether this Fantasia premiere will spark the kind of enthusiasm that merits a single follow-up, let alone several.
Emily...
- 8/1/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
“All this filming isn’t healthy,” says blind but perceptive Mrs. Stephens (Maxine Audley) late in Michael Powell’s resolutely disturbing Peeping Tom, and every aspect of the film’s rigorously self-reflexive construction seems to bear her out. From the opening shot of an opening eye, to the final shot of a blank screen swathed in black and blood-red gel lighting, Peeping Tom obsessively examines the social and psychological ramifications of overactive cinephilia. This situates Powell’s film as a direct precursor to later 1960s autocritiques along the lines of Federico Fellini’s 8½, Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up, and Haskell Wexler’s Medium Cool.
Powell and screenwriter Leo Marks originally wanted to make a film about Sigmund Freud and his theories, but word of John Huston’s upcoming Freud biopic put the kibosh on those plans. So instead they came up with the story of Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm), who works...
Powell and screenwriter Leo Marks originally wanted to make a film about Sigmund Freud and his theories, but word of John Huston’s upcoming Freud biopic put the kibosh on those plans. So instead they came up with the story of Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm), who works...
- 5/24/2024
- by Budd Wilkins
- Slant Magazine
Stars: Karlheinz Bohm, Maxine Audley, Anna Massey, Moira Shearer, Brenda Bruce, Esmond Knight, Martin Miller, Michael Goodliffe, Jack Watson, Shirley Anne Field | Written by Leo Marks | Directed by Michael Powell
Originally released 64 years ago (!) and a Martin Scorsese favourite, Peeping Tom has already had a UK release from StudioCanal, with a print restored in association with The Film Foundation and the BFI National Archive; and now comes another release, this time in the US courtesy of the Criterion Collection.
My immediate reaction, almost from the opening scene is that for a film that was made so long ago, it has aged extremely well and I imagine it might have seemed quite shocking at the time.
That does seem to be the case as “on its initial release in 1960, Peeping Tom received a savage reception from critics who were dismayed by its controversial subject matter and the sympathy it seems to engender for its murderous protagonist.
Originally released 64 years ago (!) and a Martin Scorsese favourite, Peeping Tom has already had a UK release from StudioCanal, with a print restored in association with The Film Foundation and the BFI National Archive; and now comes another release, this time in the US courtesy of the Criterion Collection.
My immediate reaction, almost from the opening scene is that for a film that was made so long ago, it has aged extremely well and I imagine it might have seemed quite shocking at the time.
That does seem to be the case as “on its initial release in 1960, Peeping Tom received a savage reception from critics who were dismayed by its controversial subject matter and the sympathy it seems to engender for its murderous protagonist.
- 5/14/2024
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
Peeping Tom 4K Uhd from Criterion
Peeping Tom will join The Criterion Collection on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on May 14. The 1960 British horror-thriller has been newly restored in 4K with Dolby Vision Hdr and uncompressed monaural sound.
A progenitor of the contemporary slasher, Michael Powell (The Red Shoes) produces and directs from a script by Leo Marks. Carl Boehm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey, and Maxine Audley star.
Special features include: a new introduction by Martin Scorsese; a new interview with Thelma Schoonmaker; a new featurette with Scorsese, Schoonmaker, and Boehm; audio commentaries by film scholar Laura Mulvey and film historian Ian Christie; featurettes Marks and on the restoration; and more.
Chucky Talking Board from...
Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!
Peeping Tom 4K Uhd from Criterion
Peeping Tom will join The Criterion Collection on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on May 14. The 1960 British horror-thriller has been newly restored in 4K with Dolby Vision Hdr and uncompressed monaural sound.
A progenitor of the contemporary slasher, Michael Powell (The Red Shoes) produces and directs from a script by Leo Marks. Carl Boehm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey, and Maxine Audley star.
Special features include: a new introduction by Martin Scorsese; a new interview with Thelma Schoonmaker; a new featurette with Scorsese, Schoonmaker, and Boehm; audio commentaries by film scholar Laura Mulvey and film historian Ian Christie; featurettes Marks and on the restoration; and more.
Chucky Talking Board from...
- 2/23/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
A classic that predates the slasher movie by a decade and played a hugely influential role on the sub-genre, Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom (1960) returns to The Criterion Collection.
The film hits Criterion Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD on May 14, 2024.
Criterion announces today, “Having brought British cinema into exalted realms of fantasy and imagination, Michael Powell took a dark detour into obsession, voyeurism, and violence with this groundbreaking metacinematic investigation into the mechanics of fear.
“Armed with his killer camera, photographer and filmmaker Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm) unleashes the traumas of his childhood by murdering women and recording their deaths—until he falls for his downstairs neighbor, and finds himself struggling against his dark compulsions. Received with revulsion upon its release only to be reclaimed as a masterpiece, the endlessly analyzed, still-shocking Peeping Tom dares viewers to confront their own relationship to the violence on-screen.”
4K Uhd + Blu-ray Special Edition Features:
New 4K digital restoration,...
The film hits Criterion Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD on May 14, 2024.
Criterion announces today, “Having brought British cinema into exalted realms of fantasy and imagination, Michael Powell took a dark detour into obsession, voyeurism, and violence with this groundbreaking metacinematic investigation into the mechanics of fear.
“Armed with his killer camera, photographer and filmmaker Mark Lewis (Carl Boehm) unleashes the traumas of his childhood by murdering women and recording their deaths—until he falls for his downstairs neighbor, and finds himself struggling against his dark compulsions. Received with revulsion upon its release only to be reclaimed as a masterpiece, the endlessly analyzed, still-shocking Peeping Tom dares viewers to confront their own relationship to the violence on-screen.”
4K Uhd + Blu-ray Special Edition Features:
New 4K digital restoration,...
- 2/15/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
As Disney quietly disappears huge swathes of film history into its vaults, I'm going to spend 2020 celebrating Twentieth Century Fox and the Fox Film Corporation's films, what one might call their output if only someone were putting it out.***"One of the truly outstanding incompetents" may have been Orson Welles's hilarious verdict on Franco-Irish director and madman John Guillermin, and looking at something like King Kong (1976) or God help us King Kong Lives (1986) one can't help but sense some justice in this, but in his earlier career, the energetic Guillermin showed some promise. His films throughout the fifties were solid and stolid in the way of too much British cinema of the time, but Rapture (1965) is a crazily stylish tour-de-force of excessive, out-of-control camera lurches and assaults which even Welles might have admired.The previous year Guillermin had made Guns at Batasi, a 99% British feature, but produced by...
- 10/14/2020
- MUBI
Special Mention: Werckmeister Harmonies
Directed by Bela Tarr and Ágnes Hranitzky
Written by László Krasznahorkai and Bela Tarr
2000, Hungary / Italy / Germany
Genre: Emotional Horror
Bela Tarr is a filmmaker whose work is a highly acquired taste, but as a metaphysical horror story, Werckmeister Harmonies is an utter masterpiece that should appeal to most cinephiles. The film title refers to the 17th-century German organist-composer Andreas Werckmeister, esteemed for his influential structure and harmony of music. Harmonies is strung together like a magnificent symphony working on the viewer’s emotions over long stretches of time even when the viewer is unaware of what’s going on. Attempting to make sense of Tarr’s movies in strict narrative terms is not the best way to go about watching his films; but regardless if you come away understanding Harmonies or not, you won’t soon forget the film. Harmonies is a technical triumph, shot...
Directed by Bela Tarr and Ágnes Hranitzky
Written by László Krasznahorkai and Bela Tarr
2000, Hungary / Italy / Germany
Genre: Emotional Horror
Bela Tarr is a filmmaker whose work is a highly acquired taste, but as a metaphysical horror story, Werckmeister Harmonies is an utter masterpiece that should appeal to most cinephiles. The film title refers to the 17th-century German organist-composer Andreas Werckmeister, esteemed for his influential structure and harmony of music. Harmonies is strung together like a magnificent symphony working on the viewer’s emotions over long stretches of time even when the viewer is unaware of what’s going on. Attempting to make sense of Tarr’s movies in strict narrative terms is not the best way to go about watching his films; but regardless if you come away understanding Harmonies or not, you won’t soon forget the film. Harmonies is a technical triumph, shot...
- 10/30/2015
- by Ricky Fernandes
- SoundOnSight
Every year, we here at Sound On Sight celebrate the month of October with 31 Days of Horror; and every year, I update the list of my favourite horror films ever made. Last year, I released a list that included 150 picks. This year, I’ll be upgrading the list, making minor alterations, changing the rankings, adding new entries, and possibly removing a few titles. I’ve also decided to publish each post backwards this time around for one reason: that is, the new additions appear lower on my list, whereas my top 50 haven’t changed much, except for maybe in ranking. Enjoy!
Special Mention:
Outer Space
Written and directed by Peter Tscherkassky
Austria, 2000
Outer Space has gained a reputation over the years as being a key experimental film alongside the works of such legends as Stan Brakhage and Michael Snow. Horror buffs will recognise the actress in the short as Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey.
Special Mention:
Outer Space
Written and directed by Peter Tscherkassky
Austria, 2000
Outer Space has gained a reputation over the years as being a key experimental film alongside the works of such legends as Stan Brakhage and Michael Snow. Horror buffs will recognise the actress in the short as Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey.
- 10/13/2013
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Throughout the month of October, Editor-in-Chief and resident Horror expert Ricky D, will be posting a list of his favorite Horror films of all time. The list will be posted in six parts. Click here to see every entry.
As with all lists, this is personal and nobody will agree with every choice – and if you do, that would be incredibly disturbing. It was almost impossible for me to rank them in order, but I tried and eventually gave up.
****
Special Mention:
Shock Corridor
Directed by Samuel Fuller
Written by Samuel Fuller
1963, USA
Shock Corridor stars Peter Breck as Johnny Barrett, an ambitious reporter who wants to expose the killer at the local insane asylum. In order to solve the case, he must pretend to be insane so they have him committed. Once in the asylum, Barrett sets to work, interrogating the other patients and keeping a close eye on the staff.
As with all lists, this is personal and nobody will agree with every choice – and if you do, that would be incredibly disturbing. It was almost impossible for me to rank them in order, but I tried and eventually gave up.
****
Special Mention:
Shock Corridor
Directed by Samuel Fuller
Written by Samuel Fuller
1963, USA
Shock Corridor stars Peter Breck as Johnny Barrett, an ambitious reporter who wants to expose the killer at the local insane asylum. In order to solve the case, he must pretend to be insane so they have him committed. Once in the asylum, Barrett sets to work, interrogating the other patients and keeping a close eye on the staff.
- 10/28/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Condemned upon its initial release in 1960, Michael Powell’s psychological thriller, Peeping Tom, has since been hailed as a classic. To tie in with its Blu-ray release, Ryan takes a look back…
The history of director Michael Powell's Peeping Tom is almost as disquieting as the film itself, and represents one of the most unfortunate falls from grace in cinema history. Partnered with screenwriter and producer Emeric Pressburger, Powell was one of the most respected directors of the 40s and 50s, internationally recognised for such films as The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes.
Then, in 1960, Powell embarked on a solo project, a psychological thriller called Peeping Tom. Written by former WWII cryptographer Leo Marks, the film's depiction of a creepy man-child serial killer was demolished by critics, effectively ending Powell's career as a filmmaker.
Only granted an X rating by the BBFC after several cuts were made,...
The history of director Michael Powell's Peeping Tom is almost as disquieting as the film itself, and represents one of the most unfortunate falls from grace in cinema history. Partnered with screenwriter and producer Emeric Pressburger, Powell was one of the most respected directors of the 40s and 50s, internationally recognised for such films as The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes.
Then, in 1960, Powell embarked on a solo project, a psychological thriller called Peeping Tom. Written by former WWII cryptographer Leo Marks, the film's depiction of a creepy man-child serial killer was demolished by critics, effectively ending Powell's career as a filmmaker.
Only granted an X rating by the BBFC after several cuts were made,...
- 11/30/2010
- Den of Geek
The Oscar-winning director of The Departed, Raging Bull and Goodfellas, talks about his new 3D film Hugo Cabret, his movie-mad childhood in New York – and how directing HBO's acclaimed drama Boardwalk Empire opened his mind to the epic freedoms of TV
"I've always liked 3D," declares Martin Scorsese breezily, his brown eyes twinkling from behind the trademark black-rimmed glasses which seem larger (and more impressively varifocal) in real life. "I mean, we're sitting here in 3D. We are in 3D. We see in 3D. So why not?" He smiles at me like it's the most obvious thing on earth, his face alive with boyish enthusiasm (even though he turned 68 last week), his well-groomed silver-grey hair lending an air of statesmanlike authority. I smile back, my heart full of anxiety about the "future of cinema" in the post-Avatar stereoscopic 21st century, wondering whether my hero would look quite so imposing wearing...
"I've always liked 3D," declares Martin Scorsese breezily, his brown eyes twinkling from behind the trademark black-rimmed glasses which seem larger (and more impressively varifocal) in real life. "I mean, we're sitting here in 3D. We are in 3D. We see in 3D. So why not?" He smiles at me like it's the most obvious thing on earth, his face alive with boyish enthusiasm (even though he turned 68 last week), his well-groomed silver-grey hair lending an air of statesmanlike authority. I smile back, my heart full of anxiety about the "future of cinema" in the post-Avatar stereoscopic 21st century, wondering whether my hero would look quite so imposing wearing...
- 11/22/2010
- by Mark Kermode
- The Guardian - Film News
Powell, one of our greatest film-makers, turned from mystic romanticism to unabashed Grand Guignol with this dazzling film. Scripted by second world war spymaster Leo Marks, it stars Karlheinz Böhm (son of the baton-wielding maestro) as a cinematographer, pornographer and serial killer, who records the dying agonies of his female victims. Now a classic that explores some perverse aspects of moviemaking and the film industry (Powell himself plays the anti-hero's sadistic father), back in 1960 it was reviled by critics who did not wish to see or acknowledge that they and other members of the audience were voyeurs. While not impeccable (some performances are dodgy), it's a perceptive, blackly comic masterwork, and the first murder takes place in the same part of Soho where Powell began his directorial career 30 years earlier. While photographing at the scene of his previous night's crime, the killer pretends to be working for the Observer.
Michael PowellHorrorPhilip French
guardian.
Michael PowellHorrorPhilip French
guardian.
- 11/21/2010
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
It has been fifty years since Michael Powell is said to have ruined his career with this mucky, perverse tale of a murdering focus puller/photographer obsessed with capturing a victim’s moment of death on camera. Critics at the time thought it a filthy work and not fit for purpose. How utterly wrong they were.
Howls of derision and outrage have faded with time and now we can look at Peeping Tom with fresh eyes unencumbered by history and memory. From its incredible opening shot of Soho at dusk and the first line of dialogue – “it’ll cost you two quid” – uttered by a prostitute about to meet her demise, Powell takes the viewer on a disturbing trip laced with some exquisite pitch black comedy.
It was a film released a good six months before Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho but by sheer coincidence these movies on different continents gave...
Howls of derision and outrage have faded with time and now we can look at Peeping Tom with fresh eyes unencumbered by history and memory. From its incredible opening shot of Soho at dusk and the first line of dialogue – “it’ll cost you two quid” – uttered by a prostitute about to meet her demise, Powell takes the viewer on a disturbing trip laced with some exquisite pitch black comedy.
It was a film released a good six months before Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho but by sheer coincidence these movies on different continents gave...
- 11/19/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Getty Images
We’ve all blabbed about the $3 million cost of Chelsea’s nuptials, but what’s really striking about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding is how incredibly romantic and personal it was.
From the vows, which included a reading of the love poem of love poems — The Life That I Have, by Leo Marks, to the Jewish marriage certificate — the katuba – displayed under a beautiful chuppah created from tree branches and flowers, to the couple’s determination to keep the wedding highly personal — this wedding was a Romantic affair!
Us outsiders may have been obsessing about which Hollywood A-Listers like Barbara Streisand or Oprah would attend, but as it turns out — Chelsea and Marc were really obsessing about expressing their love and commitment to each other.
That’s why they chose the poem The Life that I Have as a reading during their ceremony. Written by the English cryptographer, Leo Marks,...
We’ve all blabbed about the $3 million cost of Chelsea’s nuptials, but what’s really striking about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding is how incredibly romantic and personal it was.
From the vows, which included a reading of the love poem of love poems — The Life That I Have, by Leo Marks, to the Jewish marriage certificate — the katuba – displayed under a beautiful chuppah created from tree branches and flowers, to the couple’s determination to keep the wedding highly personal — this wedding was a Romantic affair!
Us outsiders may have been obsessing about which Hollywood A-Listers like Barbara Streisand or Oprah would attend, but as it turns out — Chelsea and Marc were really obsessing about expressing their love and commitment to each other.
That’s why they chose the poem The Life that I Have as a reading during their ceremony. Written by the English cryptographer, Leo Marks,...
- 8/3/2010
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Ok, so how much did you Love Chelsea Clinton’s beauty look from her much buzzed-about wedding this weekend?
Bill and Hillary’s little girl is all grown up with a wedding day makeup look that seriously brought a tear to my eye. I’m reminded of Grace Kelly when I look at the photos: good clean Hollywood elegance and simplicity.
Let’s start with the glow of that skin. I know, I know – all brides are supposed to glow on their wedding day but let’s point out one important factor here: Chelsea’s radiant alabaster (read: natural) skin. I am thrilled she decided not to tan or shake-and-bake for this event. I’m calling it now: your real skin is in, ladies, no matter what the Jersey Shore cast would have you believe (and why are you taking beauty advice from them anyway?)
Onto the fabulous makeup look: perfect and elegant.
Bill and Hillary’s little girl is all grown up with a wedding day makeup look that seriously brought a tear to my eye. I’m reminded of Grace Kelly when I look at the photos: good clean Hollywood elegance and simplicity.
Let’s start with the glow of that skin. I know, I know – all brides are supposed to glow on their wedding day but let’s point out one important factor here: Chelsea’s radiant alabaster (read: natural) skin. I am thrilled she decided not to tan or shake-and-bake for this event. I’m calling it now: your real skin is in, ladies, no matter what the Jersey Shore cast would have you believe (and why are you taking beauty advice from them anyway?)
Onto the fabulous makeup look: perfect and elegant.
- 8/2/2010
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Congratulations, Chelsea! You finally tied the knot to your long-time beau…and your parents say the ceremony was perfect!
It’s official…Chelsea’s hitched! Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement saying their daughter, Chelsea, officially wed her long-time beau, Marc Mezvinsky, in front of 400 family members and friends in a ceremony in Rhinebeck, NY July 31.
“Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends,” Bill and Hillary wrote in the statement.
“We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for...
It’s official…Chelsea’s hitched! Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement saying their daughter, Chelsea, officially wed her long-time beau, Marc Mezvinsky, in front of 400 family members and friends in a ceremony in Rhinebeck, NY July 31.
“Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends,” Bill and Hillary wrote in the statement.
“We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for...
- 8/2/2010
- by cspargo
- HollywoodLife
Used in the 1958 film ‘Carve Her Name with Pride,’ the poem provided a poignant moment at last night’s ceremony!
British playwright Leo Marks may be unknown to most, but after the reading of his poem “The Life That I Have” at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding last night, that is all likely to change. Believed to be written about his girlfriend Ruth Hambro, who was killed in an airplane crash, the lyrics to the poem are:
The life that I have is all that I have
And the life that I have is yours
The love that I have of the life that I have
Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have, a rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years in the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours.
Obviously a very, very touching piece.
British playwright Leo Marks may be unknown to most, but after the reading of his poem “The Life That I Have” at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding last night, that is all likely to change. Believed to be written about his girlfriend Ruth Hambro, who was killed in an airplane crash, the lyrics to the poem are:
The life that I have is all that I have
And the life that I have is yours
The love that I have of the life that I have
Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have, a rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years in the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours.
Obviously a very, very touching piece.
- 8/1/2010
- by cspargo
- HollywoodLife
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