Close up. A bulging, abhorrent eye watches a woman getting dressed. A voyeur? Michael Powell would borrow the same technique for Peeping Tom.
Then he strikes. A killer who cannot tolerate women with imperfections. The screams alert a congregation of villagers who have gathered to watch the mysterious spectacle of early-century cinema. The birth of voyeurism.
A theremin plays, bathing the film in a morbid, oneiric tone. Making the psychological connections clear. A number of red-herrings are established. A mute girl is to be the next victim.
Siodmak, working in expressionism and film noir, uses both influences to effect. Combines with the legendary Nick Musuraca. Camera captures dark projections. Tracking shots. P.O.V. Distorted angles. Fear becomes heightened.
And then...Hollywood intervenes. A happy ending...not so dark after all.
Then he strikes. A killer who cannot tolerate women with imperfections. The screams alert a congregation of villagers who have gathered to watch the mysterious spectacle of early-century cinema. The birth of voyeurism.
A theremin plays, bathing the film in a morbid, oneiric tone. Making the psychological connections clear. A number of red-herrings are established. A mute girl is to be the next victim.
Siodmak, working in expressionism and film noir, uses both influences to effect. Combines with the legendary Nick Musuraca. Camera captures dark projections. Tracking shots. P.O.V. Distorted angles. Fear becomes heightened.
And then...Hollywood intervenes. A happy ending...not so dark after all.