Il demonio

Daliah Lavi plays Purificazione,a young woman who after having her amorous advances rejected by young man in her town resorts to witchcraft to try and win him over.When the townsfolk realise what she is doing everything untoward that happens is blamed on her.Soon they have her pegged as being possessed by a demon and an exorcism is carried out in the local church..."The Demon" by Brunello Rondi is an overlooked Italian horror film from early 60's with excellent central performance of Dalilah Lavi.The infamous 'spider walk' across the church floor scene obviously inspired William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist".The climax is tragic and unforgettable.8 exorcists out of 10.

Brunello Rondi's remarkable drama takes a very naturalistic approach to its tale of Witchcraft and Possession in Southern Italy. An attractive young woman, Puri (Daliah Lavi) seems to be in the throes of Amour Fou with a young man, Antonio (Frank Wolff). When he tells her he's getting married, Puri's rage turns into casting an evil spell on Antonio, his marriage and future offspring. Puri's rantings give way to bouts of apparent possession, speaking in tongues and contortions of her body*. She is condemned as a witch and presented to the local priest for exorcism.

Rondi, a long-time screenwriting collaborator with Federico Fellini (including two Oscar nominations) fashions his film as a folk horror tale in the vein of a WICKER MAN, KWAIDAN or THE WITCH. What is real and what isn't is far less important than an exploration of an unfortunate soul and the locals who cast her out. Rondi's script is replete with specific local Italian traditions and rituals which provide added layers into his examination of the intersection of superstition and religion and how they seemingly over-ride any compassion for the woman's mental health and stability. Cinematographer Carlo Bellero's stunning Black & White camerawork pits Puri against the forboding barren landscape capturing her feeling of isolation from her people and home. Piero Piccioni's score is quite good. None of this would truly work without a superb performance by Lavi (who is best known in the U. S. for the original CASINO ROYALE and TWO WEEKS IN ANOTHER TOWN). She brings an earthy intensity and her background in dance allowed her to perform her seemingly superhuman stunts.

IL DEMONIO is a dark but uniquely fascinating example of tragic folklore on film.

* This 'Spiderwalk' has drawn comparison the William Peter Blatty and William Friedkin's THE EXORCIST released a decade later.

I recently watched the Italian classic 🇮🇹 Il Demonio (1963) on Shudder. The storyline follows a young lady who falls in love and becomes obsessed with the wrong man, who happens to be engaged to another. As he marries, she spirals into madness and her erratic behavior is mistaken as witchcraft by the locals. Along her tumultuous journey she is beaten and raped, further fueling her descent into madness. Attempts of an exorcism by a priest only further her plight. Will she find salvation, or will her madness cause her to seek revenge for the wrongs done to her?

This picture is directed by Brunello Rondi (Black Velvet) and stars Daliah Lavi (Casino Royale), Frank Wolff (Once Upon a Time in the West), Anna María Aveta (The Wedding March) and Rossana Rovere (A Quiet Place to Kill).

This film delivers an amazing and compelling narrative, anchored by Lavi's compelling performance. She is both gorgeous and authentically raw. There's some scenes in here that were definitely stolen for the making of The Exorcist. The behaviors are abstract and wild and the exorcism scene is phenomenal. The belt sequence was a bit much and the goat and wedding scenes were intense. This movie takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing the relentless suffering of its protagonist, making for a profoundly melancholic experience. The concluding quote offers a fitting end to the films narrative arc.

In conclusion, Il Demonio is a unique addition to the witchcraft/exorcism genre. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

A tough and, at times, heartbreaking film about a witch who places a spell on the man she loves so he'll break up with his wife and be with her and all the horror and drama it causes her and the entire town. Filmed in stark black and white, The Demon still packs a punch and showcases a very different kind of horror - the horror of humanity, group think, and mob mentality.

With stark but glorious chiaroscuro and solid performances, Il Demonio is a creepy trip through a world of ritual, magic, and superstition. Ms. Lavi drives the film with her terror and passion. I felt like I was peeking into a world in which logic was replaced by myth. What an experience.