This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 253! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hi friends!
So, I just watched this flick from 1977 called “The Psychic,” directed by none other than Lucio Fulci. You know, the guy who usually dishes out those spine-chilling horror movies? Yeah, him. But let me tell you, although “The Psychic” is branded as a horror film, it leans more towards a thriller vibe. Let’s dive into what makes this movie tick, shall we?
First off, the storyline has some juicy bits that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s about this woman, Virginia, played by Jennifer O’Neill, who’s got these psychic visions. I mean, who wouldn’t want a sneak peek into the future, right? But here’s the twist: her visions are more of a curse than a blessing. She sees glimpses of a gruesome murder and guess what she ends up finding in the wall of her husbands’s old mansion? You guessed it—a skeleton! Talk about your housewarming gifts!
Now, Fulci, he’s a master of visuals, and in “The Psychic,” he doesn’t disappoint. The way he portrays these visions is just, you know, mind-bending. The use of mirrors, the smashing of a mirror—each piece reflects a fragment of Virginia’s visions. It’s artistic, it’s eerie, and it absolutely pulls you into the narrative. You feel as if you’re piecing together a puzzle along with Virginia, and it’s super engaging.
The acting? Stellar. Jennifer O’Neill carries the movie with a sort of graceful tension that fits perfectly. You can feel her confusion, her fear, and her determination to figure it all out. And then there’s Gianni Garko, playing her husband, who adds to the drama in the most subtle ways. Their chemistry is not the usual lovey-dovey stuff but more like a mysterious and strained relationship that adds layers to the storyline.
What’s really cool about “The Psychic” is how Fulci plays with the concept of premonition. Unlike many other psychic-themed movies where visions are typically straightforward, this one leaves you, the viewer, interpreting these fragmented, symbolic messages. Every time Virginia has a vision, you’re trying to decode the future right along with her, and let’s just say, it’s never what you expect.
Now, if you’re into the whole blood-and-gore type of horror, this might not be your cup of tea. “The Psychic” is more about the suspense and the psychological twist, which personally, I find super intriguing. It’s like, every scene is carefully crafted to build up the suspense, making you wonder what’s going to happen next.
So yeah, “The Psychic” is a gem from the 70s that’s definitely worth a watch if you’re into psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural. It’s not your typical Fulci gore-fest, but it’s a film that proves this director can totally rock a thriller with just as much skill as he does horror.
Peace Out,
Roger