The Rape of the Vampire

The Rape of the Vampire, directed by Jean Rollin, created a sensation in the late 60s and added a new dimension to vampire flicks. The 1968 French horror film presents an intriguing blend of eroticism and surrealism that is distinctive of Rollin's work and the film circles around themes of the supernatural, mortality, passion, and terror. The movie features Solange Pradel, Bernard Letrou, Catherine Deville in the main roles and despite its controversial title, tells a story imbued with eeriness and creates a unique atmosphere that made it a trendsetter of its time.

The film has a two-part structure that almost feels like two completely different, yet intertwined, stories. The first segment titled 'The Rape of the Sisters' tells the tale of four sisters living in an old chateau, who believe themselves to be vampires. With lipstick splashed across their mouths as symbols of fresh blood and a heightened sense of sensitivity towards objects of their delusion like mirrors or religious symbols, these women are resolute in their vampire identity, a belief encouraged by their doctor. Here, the director uses the concept of vampirism as a metaphor, emphasizing psychological traits as the women are trapped in a delusion of their vampiric existence, that stands between them and reality.

Enter two Parisian psychoanalysts come to their rescue, trying to convince them that they are not, in fact, the creatures of the night they believe themselves to be. The journey of the protagonists through their delusions and the endeavor to bring them back to reality evokes an emotional odyssey that is intensified by the mish-mash of terror and sensuality.

The second half of the movie titled 'The Vampire Woman' follows the aftermath of a revolt where the Queen of the Vampires stirs up a peasant uprising in the hope to create a kingdom of her own. She desires a utopia, with her and her vampire kin ruling where human and vampire relations are free and accepted. The story takes us through a journey full of intense feelings, beautiful and stunning visuals of landscapes that resonate with both the desolation of the characters and their yearning for freedom.

Cinema enthusiasts and critics acknowledged Rollin's signature touches. His ability to combine the hypnotic, the horrifying, and the erotic, augmented with brutal physical violence, engages the audience in a state of continuous discomfort.

The performances by Solange Pradel, Bernard Letrou, and Catherine Deville add depth to the film. Their portrayal of characters succumbing to their delusions, fighting to break free from their self-imposed limitations, and dealing with the raw, physical nature of their existence, is remarkably nuanced.

The captivating cinematography of the movie ensures every scene is synonymous with a piece of engaging artwork. The film alternates between sequences of thrilling horror and eerie stillness, painting the uncertainty of a dreamscape. The glorious black-and-white frames add yet another layer of haunting beauty to the vampiric tale.

The music composed by François Tusques sets a captivating backdrop for the film, veering between eerie quietude and jarring ferocity, syncing perfectly with the tense theme of the movie.

However, the film with its ambiguities might not be everyone's cup of tea. It requires an open-minded audience ready to delve into the abstract, the surreal, and the complex nature of fears and desires. For those willing to let go of conventional expectations, 'The Rape of the Vampire' can be a worthwhile cinematic experience that plays mind games, tantalizes senses, and leaves a lasting impression.

In sum, 'The Rape of the Vampire' is a courageous piece of cinematic work that takes on the challenge of providing a unique interpretation of vampire mythology, successfully adding a philosophical, psychological dimension to it. It creates a vortex of emotions, indulging viewers into a pratfall of terror and seduction, giving the French horror cinema a distinct identity. Despite the controversies and the mixed reviews, 'The Rape of the Vampire' remains a cult classic, paving the way for a series of unconventional, arthouse vampire films.