SCHALCKEN THE PAINTER (1979) – The British Film Institute has released a terrific video edition of this 69-minute Gothic Horror telefilm which originally aired on December 23rd, 1979 as part of the Omnibus program.
Leslie Megahey directed this adaptation of the Sheridan Le Fanu story. Schalcken the Painter is a genuine masterpiece of visual storytelling. Nearly every scene is lit and filmed like a 1600s painting by artists like Godfried Schalcken, Rembrandt, Vermeer and others.
I always compare the cinematography in this production to one of my favorite Stanley Kubrick films – Barry Lyndon. If you enjoyed the candlelit atmosphere of that movie then Schalcken the Painter will blow you away.
This film redefines slow burn horror, so it’s certainly not for all tastes. Art House Horror would describe it nicely. The emphasis is on mood and feelings of dread rather than graphic horror.
Jeremy Clyde of Chad & Jeremy fame stars as the Dutch artist Schalcken with Maurice Denham as his already famous teacher Garrett Dou and Cheryl Kennedy as Rose, Dou’s niece and Schalcken’s desire.
Rose reciprocates Godfried’s affections, but they dare not discuss anything with her uncle until Schalcken establishes himself and has enough money to support her. One night, a sinister, wealthy Dutchman named Vanderhausen of Rotterdam arrives to claim Rose for himself. Continue reading
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