MartinHafer
Years ago, I had significant training in hypnosis when I was in graduate school. One sad fact I learned is that despite films like "Black Magic" and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari", you cannot use hypnotic skills to turn people into slaves to do your evil bidding. I know...I know...a real shame isn't it? So, when I watch movies with plots like these, I just have to turn off my brain and enjoy them without thinking like a psychotherapist.When the film begins in the 18th century, some gypsies are unfairly accused of witchcraft and are executed at the orders of the Viscount de Montagne...and the couple's young son, Joseph Balsamo, is ordered blinded!! The boy is fortunately rescued...but not until after he witnesses his parents' execution. Not surprisingly, this embittered the boy and one day he would return for revenge...but how? One day, the famous hypnotist, Anton Mesmer, recognizes the young man's innate hypnotic skills and trains them. However, Balsamo isn't concerned with using the powers for good and soon disappears...out to make his fortune abusing his gifts. And, soon he's come to once again see the Viscount...and he hatches a plan to destroy him. However, after a while, revenge alone isn't what Balsamo wants...he wants power...and all of France!!The best thing about this film is Orson Welles' magnetic performance. The story is also quite good...and is well worth seeing.By the way, throughout the film folks use the word 'hypnosis'. This term was not coined until the 1820s and the film was set in the 1770s. Not a huge mistake...but it would have been referred to as either magnetism or mesmerism instead.
Jon Corelis
Black Magic is an unjustly neglected 1949 Orson Welles film, based on Alexandre Dumas's novel Joseph Balsamo, a fictionalized version of the life of the occultist better known as Cagliostro, set mostly against the background of the days just before the French Revolution. The film is entertaining and well done, though it's a pity that it's in black and white, since the meticulously recreated ancien regime sets and costumes would have looked much more impressive in color. Welles reportedly said that he had more fun making this film than any other, and it's easy to see why, since the melodramatic script gives ample room for over-the-top histrionics, which only an actor of Welles's talent could put over convincingly. It's interesting that Welles here again plays an eccentric genius whose early success was soon undermined by his own flaws -- in other words, a character whose career is intriguingly parallel to his own. I think most people will find the film entertaining, and real Welles fans should consider it a must-see.The Hen's Tooth Video DVD seems to be the only Region 1 DVD currently available, and it's of adequate sound and image quality, though from a rather poor original print. The film is certainly important enough to deserve a redigitized version with booklet and special features, if possible from a better print, but lacking that, the Hen's Tooth Video version is watchable.
LeonLouisRicci
Sumptuous Production Design and Sharp Noir Cinematography, Highlighted by an Orson Welles Performance that is "Mesmerizing". The Story is loosely Based on the Writings of Alexandre Dumas with some Historical Facts.The Film is Rich with Occult (Gypsy) Symbolism and the Application of the Newly Discovered Practice of "Hypnosis", that was, Uncovered by but Not Invented by, Dr. Franz Anton Mesmer (Charles Goldner) who is a Minor Character in this Fiction.Welles Dominates the Screen in front of Lavish Sets and Costuming that looks like it Cost a Fortune. It truly is a Visual Feast on the Screen. The Character based on a Real Life Mystic, "Cagliostro", is Central to the Court Intrigue that Includes "King Louie" and "Marie Antoinette" and the Plot is one of Doppelgangers and Revenge.It's all a Bizarre and Beautifully Told Tale with Nancy Guild in a Dual Role as Marie/Lorenza, Akim Tamiroff, and a Good Cast all around. But the Attraction is the Attractive Production and Welles Powerful Performance. It's an Off-Beat, Little Seen Movie and is one to Seek Out for Fans of Welles, Historical Dramas/Adventures, and Movie Fans of all stripes. It is an Atypical and Sizzling, Sure-Fire Treat for some Over-the-Top Shenanigans, Gripping Suspense, and Grandiose Filmmaking.
Morning Star
I just watched the video of BLACK MAGIC again tonight and was once again impressed with it. Orson Welles turns in one of his finest performances. I was also impressed by the quality of the production considering it wasn't a Hollywood studio production (although it was released by United Artists). Elaborate costumes and sets and tons of extras. Interesting plot and photography. It has a nice film noir look to it. But the best part of BLACK MAGIC is Welles.
AD
