The Pit and the Pendulum

1961 Poe adaptation

Rating: 16/20

Plot: Some nondescript Frenchman travels to Spain to a castle where his sister has died under, what he believes is, mysterious circumstances. His sister's husband Nicholas Medina, the son of a torturin' man, and his sister try to convince him otherwise, but strange goings-on and half-truths only cause the mystery to grow.

One of many Roger Corman "Poe" movies. This has a style and a subtle edge that really makes it an effective horror movie. Vincent Price is about perfect as Nicholas, acting circles around his co-stars. There's a quiet psychosis with the character; he's calm but there are demons squeezing through his pores. The interior of the castle makes a great creepy setting, and Lex Baster's score wonderfully compliments. There are some odd, monochromatic washed-out flashback scenes that I couldn't decide if I liked initially. I eventually decided that I did. The first half of The Pit and the Pendulum is a little slow, but when things roll, they really roll. The finale--the part that has to do with the title--is stunning with its imagery and its twists-and-turns. From the pendulum scene until the breathtaking final shot--great filmmaking.