Asylum

Asylum, a British horror anthology film, was lavish with its chills and thrills when it was released in 1972. Directed by Roy Ward Baker, the movie features an ensemble cast spearheaded by Barbara Parkins, Richard Todd, and Sylvia Syms.

Asylum is a brilliantly constructed horror anthology that masterfully interweaves four distinct yet subtly interconnected tales of terror. The screenplay, penned by Robert Bloch, is a vivid celebration of the macabre. Bloch, notably, is the author of the original novel Psycho, which was adapted into the now-iconic Alfred Hitchcock directed masterpiece.

The narrative structure of Asylum follows an up-and-coming psychiatrist, Dr. Martin (Robert Powell), who arrives at a secluded mental institution for a job interview. The peculiar nature of the interview mesmerizes him; he needs to identify the hospital's former head, Dr. Starr, among the seemingly mentally unstable residents. As he interacts with each patient, their respective stories unfold in discrete segments, each one more eerie and frightful than its predecessor.

The ensemble cast provides terrific performances. Barbara Parkins, Richard Todd, and Sylvia Syms each play characters in these disturbing tales that simmer with suspense and chilling plot points. Peter Cushing, Britt Ekland, and Charlotte Rampling also deliver captivating performances, further enriching the film's twisted narratives with their acting prowess.

The quartet of stories adapts several of Bloch’s captivating short stories. From an experiment with transmigration that goes horribly wrong, a bizarre murder account of an oppressive husband's demise, to a skilled tailor's encounter with mysticism and an uncanny twist with a ventriloquist’s dummy, each tale exudes a spine-chilling flavor yet maintains its unique essence.

The first patient, Bonnie (Barbara Perkins), spins out her tale of terror revolving around the events following her affair with a married man. As the story unwraps, the audience is drawn into an unsettling world encompassing psychological angst and supernatural occurrences.

The second account features Richard Todd as a stressed-out husband caught in a messy extra-marital affair. An ill-conceived conspiracy to end his marital troubles leads to horrific consequences, thus serving a wonderfully eerie supernatural twist.

In the third tale, up and coming tailor, Bruno (Barry Morse) is given the mission of constructing an outlandish garment made out of rare materials that hold a mystical secret. Peter Cushing plays the wealthy eccentric who commissions the suit, delivering a chilling performance.

The final account, skillfully adorned by Sylvia Syms, sees her embodying the character of a health professional who gets entangled in the life of her mentally-tormented patient, adding an unnerving note to conclude the anthology.

The director, Roy Ward Baker, brilliantly stages each spine-chilling tale within the claustrophobic confines of the institution, allowing the creeping horror to escalate steadily. His repertoire of movies predominantly covers various genres, ranging from drama, crime, war movies to science fiction, and horror. His mastery over managing suspense and thrill solidifies his spectrum of skills, carving a niche in the horror genre.

Composer Douglas Gamley's calculated use of eerie music adds a layer of palpable tension to Bloch's script and Baker's direction. Furthermore, it's Denys. N. Coop's exceptional cinematography that capitulates the uncanniness of an asylum into the movie. The mix of low-key lighting and distorted angles manage to create an atmosphere of dread and mystery.

In conclusion, Asylum blends supernatural elements with psychological horror, creating a compelling anthology that stands the test of time. Through a robust screenplay, splendid performances, and excellent craft from behind the camera, the movie attracts the audience into its web of fear and suspense. Its intense and knotty storyline captivates the viewers, leaving them both horrified and enthralled, earning it well-deserved recognition as a classic in the horror anthology genre.