Fascination (1979)

Director: Jean Rollin

Writer: Jean Rollin

Composer: Philippe D'Aram

Starring: Franca Mai, Brigitte Lahale, Jean-Marie Lemaire, Fanny Magier, Muriel Montosse, Sophie Noel, Evelyne Thomas, Agnes Bert, Cyril Val, Myriam Watteau, Joe de Palmer, Jacques Sansoul, Jacques Marbeuf

More info: IMDb

Plot: This erotic horror film, set in 1905, tells the story of a thief who seeks refuge in a castle owned by two women, Eva (Lahaie) and Elisabeth (Mai) who have different plans for him and he's all too willing until it's too late.

My rating: 7.5/10

Will I watch it again?  Yes.

I've seen a few of Jean Rollin's films and if there's one thing he likes, it's naked women.  His career focus for a while was making erotic horror films.  Most of what I've seen isn't that good but I did like THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRE (1971) and this one but they're both very different films with different vibes.  There's one that I'm really looking forward to based on Rollin's work and the title, THE NUDE VAMPIRE (1970).  Rollin's films have an arthouse vibe. 

The pacing is leisurely, if not downright slow), the women are beautiful and sensual and they look fantastic in that erotic, European 70s way.  All of that applies here except this doesn't drag.  I was hooked from the first few minutes.  I did tag this with 'gratuitous nudity' but the nudity isn't there just to be there.  Rollin paints with an erotic brush so the abundance of nudity serves that aesthetic. 

I'm not going to ruin any surprises but I was really taken aback at Rollin's refreshing look at vampires.  And that's just one of many reasons why I dug this flick.  I'd rather watch it again than talk too much about it.  If you know this man's work and like it (or want to like it) then this is a must watch.  For everyone else, Give it a shot but sit back and relax with a glass of wine because you just might find yourself taken in by the lure of Rollin's storytelling and the lure of Elisabeth and Eva.