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---------------------------------------------------------- Young Emily Williams (played by Nicoletta Elmi) has been acting very odd since her mother burned to death in a freak accident. Her father, art historian Michael Williams (Richard Johnson), believes that she is just grieving in her own way. Things begin to get worse when Michael travels with Emily and her nanny Jill (Ida Galli)to a village to film a TV show about a mysterious painting. This painting has a strange effect on his daughter. She becomes jealous of her father’s new lover, Joanna (played by Joanna Cassidy), and behaves erratically and violently as though possessed by a spirit. What's left of the Williams family seems doomed by a centuries old curse but Michael isn't ready to accept defeat and will fight for his daughter's soul. I search far and wide for imperfect gems like The Cursed Medallion. Director Massimo Dallamano (What Have You Done To Solange?) shows that he can easily direct modern gothic chillers like this one. With an emphasis on gorgeous cinematography and flawless lighting, the film is almost decadent in its richness. Throw a plot reminiscent of great gothic literature and some picturesque scenery into the mix and we’ve got something special. While far from a perfect film, I was right at home with this Italian rarity.
It’s always a pleasure to see
the odd-looking Nicoletta Elmi of
Bay Of Blood
and
Profondo Rosso
on the screen. Like every great Italian actress she can also push things
way, way over the top. Adding some class to the proceedings is Richard
Johnson of Lucio Fulci’s
Zombie.
Another familiar face belongs to Ida Galli (AKA Evelyn Stewart) of
The Bloodstained Butterfly
and
Knife Of Ice
who plays Jill, the hapless nanny. And I really liked Russian actress Lila
Kedrova as the eccentric Contessa Cappelli. ---------------------------------------------------------- DVD Stuff The Cursed Medallion looks very good in its anamorphic widescreen presentation with minor color fluctuations and graininess. The blacks are a little weak but it’s not too distracting. The Italian audio is clear and there are optional English and Italian subtitles which are clear and easy to read. The extras on the disc include several trailers, poster art, plus cast and crew bios. Oh and if you don’t speak or read Italian, these extras will be just a tad useless to you. Quotes “Why must destiny be so relentless?” Links Get this DVD from Xploited Cinema. |
