The Shout

Influenced by Francis Bacon, several reproductions of whose paintings can be seen in the film, The Shout is much like the work of the famous English painter: strange, fascinating and unsettling. An unclassifiable work – though one that is often grouped alongside The Wicker Man or Don’t Look Now in books on British cinema – Jerzy Skolimowski’s sixth feature film bears witness to the vibrancy of 1970s British cinema, as well as its ability to tackle the fantastical with an approach that was entirely different from the conventions of the time. Unlike Rosemary’s Baby or The Exorcist, the film constantly plays on its lack of special effects and stands out in many ways from contemporary productions. Oscillating between ‘Free Cinema’, Polish eccentricity (much like Roman Polanski’s European films) and Aboriginal beliefs, "The Shout" is a truly unique voice in 1970s cinema..."" (Xavier Jamet; dvdclassik.com)