(Michael Mann/1983/USA)
An
atmospheric, gothic horror that takes place during World War II, The
Keep is a deviation from Michael Mann’s usual style and a film he
has since disowned due to studio interference and editing. It says a
lot that it doesn’t have a video or DVD release, so the only way
you’ll see it is on one of its rare TV screenings (Film4 have shown
it twice in the last year or so if you’re interested). Although a
commercial flop on release it has over time gathered a bit of cult
appreciation. It is certainly flawed due to the studio enforced
edits, some of the story sequencing doesn’t quite make sense, but
it has a quality and tone that surpasses these flaws and makes it
something beguiling to watch. The story is of a Nazi soldier division
securing a pass in the Romanian mountains by occupying an old keep
outside a village in the pass. The soldiers unlock an ancient evil
within the keep and a struggle ensues involving the demonic force,
the Nazis, the villagers, an elderly historian and his daughter and
another strange man who arrives on a mission known only to him.
There’s a lot of backlighting, mystical mists and a superb
soundtrack from Tangerine Dream. The effects are obviously quite
dated but it has lost none of its essence or mood even after being
savaged in the editing room and that is testament to Mann as a film
maker. To be honest I don’t think I’ve seen another film quite
like it so if you get the chance watch it.
(3.5/5)
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