THE
GRAPES OF DEATH (1978)Director: Jean Rollin
Synapse Films
THE
GRAPES OF DEATH (1978)Even if you're not a fan of Jean Rollin's sexy surreal vampire flicks, you might like this gory but atmospheric zombie tale from the French director. Obviously owing a bit to NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, these zombies actually don't eat human flesh -- they're an infected breed that are gradually decomposing and driven to violent madness. Believe it or not, I always wondered if Rollin saw David Durston's I DRINK YOUR BLOOD, since several scenes are similar to ones in that rabid funfest.
The shocks commence when two young ladies, Elizabeth (Marie-Georges Pascal) and her friend are traveling on a seemingly deserted train. Elizabeth is left alone in a car, and in walks a strange man. Each time the camera cuts back to him, his face is in a more severe state of decomposition, until he's left with a huge, bleeding blister on his face. Elizabeth is horrified and runs out of the car as the man proceeds to chase her. Discovering that he murdered her friend, Elizabeth jumps off the train and heads into the French countryside.
Her next encounter is the sight of an infected farmer stabbing his daughter with a pitchfork, after which she is lead into a village by a blind girl who has no idea what's going on. As they arrive there, more random acts of murder are committed by the inhabitants who are all rotting and quite insane. It is later discovered that the town had consumed lots of wine that was made from chemically contaminated grapes. The petite but feisty Elizabeth is then aided by two burly men who luckily only drink beer.
Although Rollin's pacing can be lethargic, THE GRAPES OF DEATH (known in France as "Les Raisins de la Mort") is gripping and unsettling, making you want to anxiously proceed from one episodic event to the other. The make-up on the pus-laden zombies is effective, and Rollin's use of eerie, secluded countryside settings (especially night scenes) makes for some opulent, haunting atmosphere. Euro cult fans will love the lively bit part by Brigette Lahaie, who gladly disrobes when questioned about her well-being! Forget Rollin's pathetic ZOMBIE LAKE and give this one a shot.
Never before released in the U.S., Synapse has issued the film on DVD in a new 1.66:1 letterboxed anamorphic presentation. Any viewer used to bad bootlegs of this title will be more than happy here. The transfer was culled from the original negative and looks terrific. The image is very sharp and the colors are bold for the most part. There is virtually no sign of any print damage, and the Dolby Digital mono audio is equally impressive. The film is in French, so English subtitles are present, and they're very easy on the eyes.
Extras on the disc include candid videotaped interviews with Rollin and Brigette Lahaie (along with footage of them on a convention panel). Both are charming with their heavy French accents, and they discuss all sorts of things, including other films that they worked on together such as FASCINATION and THE LIVING DEAD GIRL (the interviews add up to a good half hour). Rollin surprisingly declares several 40s Universal horror films as early influences! There are also French and German trailers for the film, a still gallery, a Rollin biography and filmography, and liner notes by Nigel J. Burrell. (George R. Reis)