Moviecut—The Conspiracy of Torture

source: The Conspiracy of Torture

Beatrice Cenci

I read the 12 reviews (at this time), and not much to add really. It really feels like the 16th century. There is something special about the detail put in to the costumes and set designs. The acting is really 1st class, and Fulci really works them to get convincing performances. The story line deserves a lot of credit, this being a 1969 flick. Its non-linear structure is maximised to full effect. Sadly its literally unheard of, despite coming out 2 years before The Devils (1971). Would have thought the controversial content, would have at least have kept it in the spot light over the years. Its a fine period piece, and I can see why Fulci was proud of it.

Incredible production values for a Fulci film. This may be his best looking work - from the set to the costumes - it's a great looking film. The acting is also much better than in most of his other films. However, the story was not that interesting. Its told in a series of flashbacks. I finished the film just not knowing what the point of it all was. Not a horror film, but it features horrific content.

I have to say that a lot of effort and great work has gone into producing such a fine Blu-ray print. I once tried to watch this some time ago and it was just too washed out but this is wonderfully sharp and colourful - a real treat for the eyes. Trouble is I must have lost concentration now and again what with all the Latin, the religious ceremony and the general historic recreations, for I seemed to miss the back and forth time lapses and got terribly confused. Got the lengthy torture scenes loud and clear and eventually caught up but this is not an obvious pleasure but certainly a magnificent looking number for Fulci completists.

It's kind of ... well with the recent Bond movie out, it really presented the opportunity for me to use the title - to tweak, so it fits the bill here. A Lucio Fulci movie, which if you are a horror fan - well you may expect something different from this movie. Don't get me wrong, twisted things happen here. But this is by no way a movie that can be categorized as a horror genre movie. That being said, it surely makes a great argument for many things. One of them being not having religion dictate politics and the law. Apart from the main actress being as beautiful as one can be, the movie gives the viewer more incentives to really feel her struggle ... and her fight to survive/make it in general. While I am in no way a Fulci expert, it seems likely that those claiming this being one of his best movies to be correct.

Those expecting a typical horror movie will be disappointed, as the horror depicted here is the Catholic Church's use of torture in the Middle Ages, and their greed. Fulci doesn't flinch from presenting the evil that was the church in that time. Those who do not like period pieces may find this film dull, but Fulci does a great job producing a work that is both beautiful and interesting. Adrienne Larussa was beautiful and did a very good job as the title character. Her father, played by Georges Wilson, was an evil man who kept her locked up. Wilson does a very good job portraying someone you really want to see die. You have to love a strong determined woman. Even in the face of torture by the church, she remained strong. Definitely not a movie for faithful Catholics.