The final section of this review contains spoilers, including a discussion of how the movie ends. If you haven't seen the film, and wish to, stop reading at the ALERT.
Eyes Without a Face (Les Yeux Sans Visage, aka The Horror Chamber of Dr. Faustus) is from a time when it was okay to take time in telling a story. In other words, in this age of quick edits, I don't think the kids will like it. It does take its sweet time. But that's a good thing in this case; an atmosphere of slow dread suits some scenes very well, and adds to the beauty of others.
The story is simple. Dr. Genessier (stout, bearded, stoic Pierre Brasseur) tries to reconstruct his disfigured daughter with, let's say, unconventional means. Brasseur plays the doctor with the right touch of amorality, doing dastardly things just to meet his ends. The daughter, Christiane (round-eyed Edith Scob), while technically not the lead, is the most fascinating element of the picture. Scob more or less floats through her scenes giving essentially a silent performance, all eyes and body language, absolutely lovely to watch. The rest of the cast is good but not what you'll remember when it's over.
Although tame today there is one graphic scene and a general theme I would consider unsuitable for the very young.
***spoiler(s) ALERT***
I really like this film but it does have a rather large flaw. If you don't see the ending coming you've probably never watched any older thrillers. As soon as I saw the kennel I knew the doc was gonna be Puppy Chow. Sure enough, although it does redeem itself with a nice final scene of Christiane. With a cleverer ending I would justify giving this film a 10.
One more thing. Scob is masked through most of the movie, or made up as as Scar(tissue)face. In only one scene do you see her actual face and it's as screen-photogenic as nearly any actress you'll ever see. I understand she did more films with director Franju and would like to see her in something else.
Don't let the weak ending hinder you if you like classic horror/suspense and great b&w movies. Highly recommended.
0 out of 1 found this helpful