Dominique Is Dead

source: Dominique Is Dead

Trailer—Dominique

Dominique

Here's one that had evaded me to this point: 1979's mystery/ghost story DOMINIQUE (aka DOMINIQUE IS DEAD), a spooky and little-known 'old dark house' style tale about married American Cliff Robertson and his ailing wife Jean Simmons. He's a rich stockbroker, she's suffering from delusions since a nasty accident a year before, and before long tragedy strikes. It's one of those films that explores gaslighting in an engaging and deeply psychological way, and I found it pretty engrossing. The film is shot in a beautiful way with extraordinary shades of blue, green and red, so much so that I was reminded me of SUSPIRIA at times. It certainly takes its time over the storyline and some might find it slow, but that didn't bother me. The ghostly scenes, the use of classic sound effects - it all works. The cast, which includes Jenny Agutter, Simon Ward and Flora Robson, is exemplary too.

Potentially unstable wife of a stockbroker suspects her husband of trying to drive her mad; after she commits suicide, he begins acting unhinged himself after sensing her ghostly presence in their house. British theatrical release went straight to video in the States, and it's easy to see why: this is nothing more than a television-styled melodrama (with a budget to match). Cliff Robertson is so stoic, he barely reacts after his wife's coffin is exhumed (twice); Jean Simmons adds a bit of class in the early scenes, but supporting players Simon Ward and Jenny Agutter are just plot-tools. Director Michael Anderson complained the film was edited without his approval--so Hollywood doesn't have the market cornered on disgruntled filmmakers. *1/2 from ****

This film has a good story that engages the watcher from the beginning, as the scene is set. The characters reveal themselves slowly as the plot unravels into a creepy and atmospheric ghost story, ending in a surprising twist. Good and familiar actors, including Jenny Agutter, Jean Simmons and Simon Ward make this a great Saturday night horror.

Back in the early days of home video the trailer for this film seemed to appear on the front of every video tape my family watched, so much so that if anyone says the name Dominque, everyone automatically says "Dominique? Dominique is Dead". the film itself is an okay thriller which concerns a man out for money and the wife who dies and then comes back to haunt him. The film is well made by Michael Andersen who had a long career and turned out films like Orca, Shake Hands with the Devil, The Quiller Memorandum and Logan's Run. The cast which is headed by Cliff Robertson is first rate and it helps to sell the script which is more than just a little clichéd (Frankly if you can't guess where this is going you haven't seen many movies). Its an unremarkable but enjoyable distraction, worth picking up if you should see it in the 99 cent rack.

This is one of my favorites of the horror genre, although it will not appeal to those with short attention spans, ADHD, or those that overthink plot lines or enjoy trolling on minutia. Dominique has a wonderfully creepy vibe underscored by the haunting theme music, sound effects(echoing footsteps, creaking rope, etc.). The slow pace really helps build up the tension, and Cliff Robertson accurately portrays a man who is plotting and fearless but is growing increasingly fearful. There is solid acting here and a couple of good plot twists to keep it interesting. SPOILER ALERT: The scene in the hallway with the ghost is great fare for keeping the hairs up on one's neck. The bit of dark humor with the tombstone that says Died:SOON is welcome comic relief. The musical score is perfect for this story & I wish it were available in sheet form.

If they had cut out (or at least shortened) all the scenes of Cliff Robertson walking (usually up or down some stairs) from "Dominique", it could have been an effective 30-minute episode of a TV mystery series - and that's probably what it should have been in the first place. I like the plot of this movie: it keeps you guessing all the way and it ties up all the loose ends before it's over. But Michael Anderson's direction is, with a few exceptions (Robertson seeing the tombstone with his name on it, the murder of the doctor), stiff and pedestrian. The characters are lacking in personality and humor, though it's always a pleasure to see Jenny Agutter, for my tastes perhaps the most beautiful actress in 1970s cinema. ** out of 4.

If you enjoy only those Gothic movies that are exciting and dynamic and expressive, DOMINIQUE might not be for you. DOMINIQUE seems I wouldn't say subdued—but peculiar. 'Dominique' is a certainly interesting, if not overly exciting, spooky outing from '78, year when Cliff Robertson was already 55 (--he was a bit younger than Clift and a bit older than Brando and Newman--) but looked much younger I would say. The script isn't pretentious but genuinely intriguing; the score might seem a bit heavy, and the direction, plagued by some mediocrity and '70s triteness, could be better. Good Gothic movie, and admissible role for daddy Robertson who plays an English businessman, mean, cold, brutish. A British tale, with accents of GIALLO, a case of the husband pushing his wife towards suicide, that deserved to be better directed and shot. As script now, it reminds one a bit about Clouzot—if you are going to take my meaning.