9/10
Absolutely dreadful US title for this fine piece of Euro exploitation cinema
2 April 2013
Absolutely dreadful US title for this fine piece of Euro exploitation cinema, L'Ossessa. Directed by Mario Gariazzo who wrote or directed many such Italian movies including Play Motel, Sister Emanuelle and Vacanze per un Massacro, this is obviously an Exorcist rip-off but done with great panache. Stella Carnacina, as the possessed one, does not make a false move, as she rants, seduces, screams and spews throughout. She is on the screen most of the time and always looks menacing or appealing. There is much violence and sexual activity but also much background church activity that is most authentically portrayed and lends much power to the possession scenes. It is also these scenes of religious activity quietly (or not so quietly) being mocked that must upset a lot of people. In the US, apparently, the TV personality, Elvira, used to make much fun of the film and there are prints with her many intrusions. It is easy to see why because there do seem comic moments but it seems to me these come after one or another tremendous bout of energetic raving from young Stella and whilst they may have seemed appropriate in the original script, the way the possession scenes have been shot, they seem inadequate. When we have just watched the most astonishing and vigorous scenes of blasphemy, for the doctor or relative to reflect 'she seems a little worse' or 'I think it must be psychological' seem far from suitable and should have been ratcheted up when it was clear the activity was going to be so sensational. For those who think they may not enjoy this, they are probably right but for those who think they might - YOU WILL!
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