Cyril Val is an actor known for his role in Fascination (1979), where he navigates the intricate dynamics of desire and danger. Set against a backdrop of lush visuals and unsettling undertones, Val's performance contributes to the film's exploration of eroticism within the cult genre. His involvement in this provocative narrative showcases the unique blend of horror and sensuality that defines the era's exploitation cinema. Val's work in Fascination positions him as a notable figure in the landscape of grindhouse films.
Fascination
This erotic horror film, set in 1905, tells the story of a thief who seeks refuge in a castle owned by two women, Eva (Brigitte Lahaie) and Elizabeth (Franca Mai). The women are seductive and teasing, but turn out to be part of a vampiric cult of blood-drinking aristocrats. Fascination is a very apt title for this spellbinding movie! A typically dreamlike and stylish work from the remarkable Jean Rollin. Yup, it’s another lesbian vampire movie (from a decade that produced quite a few!) but Rollin, like Jess Franco, puts his own original touches to it which make it truly unforgettable. Like most of Franco’s (and Dario Argento’s) output, atmosphere and aesthetics are more important than plot, and the performances of the actors involved are variable. Rollin doesn’t seem to be too concerned with creating believable characters, he uses his (beautiful) actresses as striking images moving across a background. His movies are often closer to paintings than your standard Hammer horror. That’s why ‘Fascination’ is so unlike most vampire movies you’ll ever see. Inspired and original. Don’t miss this one!
