Jean Rollin, born in 1938, was a French filmmaker whose work defined the fantastique genre. He directed and wrote The Shiver of the Vampires (1971) and Requiem for a Vampire (1971), blending eroticism with horror in a style that remains influential in cult cinema. In The Iron Rose (1973), he not only directed but also acted, showcasing his multifaceted talent. Rollin's unique vision and narrative approach continue to resonate within the realms of exploitation and giallo, solidifying his legacy in the annals of genre filmmaking.
The Shiver of the Vampires
A young honeymooning couple stop for the night at an ancient castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle is home to a horde of vampires, who have their own plans for the couple. Unforgettable Rollin extravaganza, daring to go for effects other directors would dismiss as cheesy, and pulling them off. On one level, it seems pure exploitation, with its somnolent virgins and lesbian vampires; but it is the prospective male viewer that the film targets – his representative on screen is reduced to an impotent observer, finally breaking down into helpless madness. Rollin’s style is as delirious as ever, fantastic French Gothic sets, seeping red filter, dreamlike pace, bewilderingly inventive soundtrack, resonant set-pieces and unmissably pretentious dialogue.
