The Medusa Touch

source: The Medusa Touch

Trailer—The Medusa Touch

The Medusa Touch

Although I've known of this film since its release, I've seen it tonight, after 25 years! It was worth the wait - an excelently acted science fiction piece, presented as a police drama. Certainly it marked by its date - the clothes, the cars, the rounded television sets :o) - but this now adds a certain charm that I'm sure the director never intended. Special effects are not the flashy "Sci-fi" type but are all the more impressive for this, adding verisimilitude to a gritty and involving tale. If you enjoy "hard" science fiction, try and see it!

Being mad at the world is an obvious thing. This author(Richard Burton) who has some serious issues take being mad at the world to a whole new meaning. "The Medusa Touch" is a very cold and calculated way to make everything go away in an instant. Author John Morlar(Burton) is attacked by an unknown assailant. At first, he was thought to be killed. But when he can through, he's rushed to the hospital. His reputation is quite contrary to some, but to others, he is deeply disturbing. He has powers to do his bidding. Create catastrophic events on how he views the world. He killed people around him. From his wife to the neighbor's wife. Then he would set his sights on the cathedral which is about to go onto being renovated and restored. John Morlar may have the gift, but it can be a curse if you abuse it. A very nice film. Great for the buffs. 3 out of 5 stars

I saw this movie when I was a child. It gave me nightmares for a very long time. Especially the scene where the parents of the main character get killed haunted me for weeks. For a long time I didn't see the movie again and I forgot it. Then I met an old friend who told me about her nightmares she had as a child because she watched a certain movie. It has been the same film. So I searched for it and watched it again more than 30 years later. I have to say that I was stunned. This flick did really age very well. The music is outstanding. Burton's and Ventura's performances are brilliant. But even the whole make is fantastic for it's time. The flashbacks this movie is composed of are done terrifically and are masterly assembled. The narrative style is inventive and never gets boring. I think this movie has been ahead for it's time. For me a real classic!

I remember seeing this on TV many years ago, and I'm glad I caught it at such a young age. Back then it was really scary, but even today - when we're blessed (or cursed) with visual effects that are so convincing - it is still capable of sending a shiver up my spine. The film's pace is methodical, but Richard Burton admirably conveys a sense of quiet menace as he loses his grip on sanity during a series of flashbacks. The acting by the other leads is solid enough, but the film is all about Burton's chilling psychic powers, and when they are let loose at the film's climax, the result is genuinely shocking.

THE MEDUSA TOUCH is an excellent and understated addition to the wave of 'psychic thrillers' doing the rounds in the late 1980s and early 1980s, so remarkable because it's unlike any of the others. This is by parts a mystery story, a dark personal history, a horror flick and even a disaster movie come the end stages. Richard Burton appears mostly in flashback but mesmerises in even this small part, while Lino Ventura as the Columbo-style French detective is a thoroughly enderaring and engaging lead. The unusual structure keeps you on your toes, the mystery unfolding at just the right pace, and the ensemble supporting cast is extraordinary; kudos in particular to Lee Remick and Harry Andrews in stand-out parts. Great stuff all round, this.

The Medusa Touch is a film that i could just watch over and over again. The story, acting and directing (as well as the effects for the time) were truly brilliant. Richard Burton once again showed all the other Hollywood actors what he is worth (and i bet deep down inside they knew too). The film is basically about an odd, private man who has the evil power to inflict death just by looking at them. The build up to the film is superb as is the actual way the French investigator (Leo Ventura) goes about investigating Morlar's (Burton) death. The film was filmed entirely in England and has that very British feel to it but watching Burton in that film makes me feel sad that he is not alive today because only Anthony Hopkins can be compared to this true gem of an actor.

What a Sleeper! most Movie Buffs probably never heard of this Creepy, Scary, Well Written Supernatural, Para-Psychological, Serial-Killer, Conglomerate, British Gem. Combining all these Elements in a Fast moving, unfolding of a "Simple Murder", is so Professionally handled it seems Effortless. It is well Acted and is Respectful of a Subject in Disrepute, and the Film makes it all seem Believable. Fine SFX Work, not always Present in European Cinema (especially in the 70's), just adds another realm of Verisimilitude to the Far Out, Fantastic Premise. The Ending has a Terrific Twist. Not to be missed.