Orchestrator of Storms: The Fantastique World of Jean Rollin (2022) FrightFest Review

Orchestrator of Storms: The Fantastique World of Jean Rollin (2022) FrightFest Review

The life and work of Eurocult director Jean Rollin is put under the spotlight in this informative documentary. From struggling artist with an unconventional upbringing to the purveyor of New Wave surrealist fantastique via such distinctive and unique films as The Rape of the Vampire, The Iron Rose, Fascination, Lips of Blood and The Living Dead Girl, friends, critics and actors tell all.

Sex and nudity, innocence and perversity, stunning visuals and rule breaking became Rollin trademarks and you’ll find out why in this provocative, moving and enlightening look at his myth and the magic. This is a must-watch for admirers of the prolific, provocative and hugely influential genre legend Rollin.

First off, it’s fair to say that whilst Rollin’s films have always intrigued and captivated me from a visual perspective, ultimately I failed to see much of substance behind the style. That said I think it’s great that there’s a documentary about his life and output as I knew very little about him. The documentary pushes forward the notion that his work was misunderstood, failing to receive recognition of his home turf but developing a cult following in recent years.

Rollin was inspired by French surrealists and symbolic art, so it was inevitable that his film work would be for an acquired taste. After a comprehensive and informative start, learning about Rollin’s early years, however it soon becomes one note – Rollin was misunderstood, he was ahead of his time – without really ever explaining satisfactorily why. It fast runs out of juice and little else to say.