After the release of Les Yeux Sans Visage (English Title: Eyes without a Face), this French thriller faced a heavy criticism for the content of the movie. In simple words, it was quickly rejected by the critics. Georges Franju, with his directorial skills was unable to make the critics understand his own peculiar source of inspiration during those days. But slowly this French thriller director Franju was able to a mark for himself in the history of French cinema as well as in the wide genre of horror movies.

This black and white French thriller goes back to the 60’s. The famous skin specialist Dr. Genessier (Pierre Brasseur) stays in his villa located just outside the city of Paris. Being a surgeon with vast experience, Dr. Genessier wants to upgrade the technology related to skin grafting. On the other hand, the Doctor’s daughter Christiane (Edith Scob) has badly damaged her face, beyond recovery, in a car accident. As the doctor was driving at the time of the accident, he holds himself fully responsible for the condition of her daughter. But this situation is not as smooth as it looks. The doctor with the help of his assistant Louise (Alida Valli), pick up young women and conduct operation on them. In the hidden basement of his villa, Dr. Genessier experiments by transplanting the facial skin from the victims on to his daughter’s face. But success it not that easy.

Edith Scob with famous white mask.

However, in spite of all those criticism and disturbing images, Les Yeux Sans Visage did not suffer much. Mostly due to the brilliant work of Eugen Schüfftans, the cameraman this French movie is still considered as one of the finest black and white French cinema. The villa of the doctor occupies a major portion in this movie. And we can say that the set was done in a very appropriate way which can easily make you feel that there is no escape from the villa. Even the doctor’s daughter Christiane, who is living in the house like a prisoner, makes the movie spookier. A young woman hidden behind a white mask made of porcelain through out the movie. What else can you expect from her? Les yeux sans visage is a perfect combination of suspense and shock. It lets you imagine through out its length. It is, indeed, an unforgettable French thriller.

Watch the trailer of Les Yeux Sans Visage

My Rating 7/10
Learn more about the movie on IMDB

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