Today I am going to provide some tips for attempting to tackle the immense universe of the films of Jess (Jesus) Franco. While I am a beginner myself I thought it would be helpful for someone who is interested in Franco to have some guidance so that they do not miss out on some of the finer points of his crafty work.
I first heard about Jess Franco through the columns in Fangoria that Tim Lucas (Video Watchdog) wrote back in the late 80’s. At the time I was not interested enough or capable of seeking out these films. Being a gore aficionado at the young age of 12, I was more interested in the handiwork of George Romero, Lucio Fulci, Sam Raimi and various other American and European horror filmmakers. I would occasionally stumble off track and get more than (or less than in some cases) I bargained for. Some of these gems include Make them Die Slowly (Cannibal Ferox), Microwave Massacre and Last House on the Left, but never Jess Franco films, even though the covers were intriguing for such gems as The Invisible Dead (aka DR. ORLOFF AND THE INVISIBLE MAN) and Virgin Among the Living Dead.
Also these films would likely not have made a splash being that they contained little gore and were not exactly what I was looking for. It was only within the last few years that I have begun my journey into the world of Jesus Franco.
There are many authorities out there for in-depth Franco analysis I suggest you look into these for some further information (See links below). For now though here is my attempt at guidance for a beginner from a beginner:
1. Never expect anything. You may be surprised but you probably will not be floored by any of his films. Don’t be attached to standard real world logic. Many of his films contain their own set of rules, realities and norms. If your not able to suspend disbelief or do not have the intestinal fortitude for inane dialog, outer reaching situations and utter nonsense, you may want to go back to you normal life. You are probably wasting your time here, and we don’t want that.
2. Pay attention to color, moods and other subtexts. Watch for a sudden switch from a particularly uncomfortable or grating scene to one of calmness and serenity. Making films is what Jess Franco likes to do. That is evident in the breadth of his catalog. He has over 180 director credits listed on IMDB. Keep an eye on what he is doing. Do things appear jumbled, improvised, contrived, intentionally obtuse? Is he operating the camera? Is this shot out of focus? What can you imagine was the process behind making the movie? Keep your ears open too. The soundtracks to his films can range from one of the greatest thing you have ever heard to the most repetetive flimsy garbage you have ever heard.
3. Many of his films contain sexual themes. This includes sadomasochism, exhibitionism, incest and fetishism among other things. While some of his films do walk the border of pornographic, I think it is safe to say that generally that is not the case. I think they can be summed up for the most part as sexually provocative (by today’s socially accepted standards). In other words if you don’t like sex or nudity in film you are probably going to like these films. The key here is don’t get hung up on this aspect of his films.
“He has a catalog of over 180 films..so…where to start?” you might be asking. Well I have only seen about 20 of his movies so far. All of them have their own ‘charm’, but most of them I would not suggest to the uninitiated or uninterested. Here is a short list of where you should start (please keep in mind that these are out of the 20 I have seen so far).
Eugenie …the Story of Her Journey Into Perversion
Here are five that you should steer clear of right out of the gate (seriously).
The Inconfessable Orgies of Emmanuelle
Here are some links to help you out:
Video Watchblog – This is the guy that produces Video Watchdog and contributes liner notes to many DVD’s including many Franco releases. Search around on his blog for Franco related posts.
I’m in a Jess Franco State of Mind – A blog related to Jess Franco and various other types of European trash cinema. A good read and it’s frequently updated.
DVD Maniacs – This is an indispensable resource for online movie reviews with a proper perspective on the genres that matter most. There are many Franco films reviewed here.
Blue Underground – Release many Franco DVD’s
Severin – Release many Franco DVD’s
9 users commented in " Jess Franco – A Beginner’s Guide "
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Thank you for your guide. I’ll remember to check back when I’ve run out of Fulci films and I’m desperate for a fix of incoherence and bad taste. Jack Taylor kind of reminds me of Stephen Forsythe from Mario Bava’s HATCHET FOR THE HONEYMOON.
Also, nice job throwing in the vhs covers. Brings back some vivid memories of the old days. I’d love to see someone compile a book of vhs cover art.
I am always desperate for that!….Jack Taylor looks like mean dude. VHS cover Check it…http://www.critcononline.com/video_companies_cover_art.htm totally awesome.
Thanks.
I just realized something. I knew there was something strangely familiar about OASIS OF ZOMBIES. I rented this with a friend a few years back. We made a pilgrimmage to Route 112 Video on Long Island. They have an incredible horror section. Anyway, we rented it, but it was under the brilliant title BLOOD SUCKING NAZI ZOMBIES. How awesome is that? Do you have this on dvd? Do you think you could provide us with some screen caps? I particularly remember zombies rising from the earth and there just happens to be a swastika in the shot. I remember us all being so disappointed that they weren’t actually nazis…
Yes Oasis of Zombies is known under a bunch of different names. I do have this in my Chilling Classics box set. I’ll see what I can do on the screen caps, but this movie is pretty painful to begin with then couple that with a jittery dark blurry copy and it may just look like screen shots of different colored cotton balls. And then you would be like “Hey wait a minute he just took pictures of cotton!! He doesn’t have that movie! I am going to KILL him.”
You know me only too well. That’s exactly what I would’ve said. “Jesus christ! Cotton balls?! I am going to MURDER Travis Kostell…”
I watched 3 Jess Franco films this weekend: Female Vampire, Macumba Sexual, and Eugenie. You could say I’m a fan. I just got a hankering for that Franco feel. Some reviews are on the way…
That is awesome! You are about 1/300th the way through his catalog. I am not much further.
Talk soon.
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