Both Luis Bunuel and Carlos Saura considered transferring 'Aura' of Carlos Fuentes to the screen but here it is directed by one who is not in the same league, Damiano Damiani.
Here we have superb cinematography courtesy of Leonarda Barboni and an atmospheric score by Luis Bacalov, a future Oscar winner.
The cast is excellent. There is Richard Johnson, very well 'dubbed', who was in great demand in the 1960's, Sarah Ferrati, Gian Maria Volonte and the divine Rosanna Schiaffino whose husband at the time, Alfredo Bini, produced.
To his credit Damiani 's film is certainly a cut above others of this type where 'supernatural forces' are at work and holds ones interest with its elegance, atmosphere and literate script. It is also extremely erotic and the 'hands free' sequence one of the film's highlights!
It is a wee bit long and the ending doesn't quite come off but it is still eminently watchable, especially if you are a devotee of Rosanna Schiaffino.
Needless to say Fuentes was not impressed and no doubt wished Bunuel or Saura had filmed it.
I implore you to avoid the version where everyone is dubbed into American.
Review of The Witch
