Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul

Brilliant, difficult and tragic Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most fascinating and admirable icons in literature. "Edgar Allan Poe: Terror of the Soul" is a well-done documentary on the great writer's life. Tracing his life from his troubled youth to his turbulent literary career and to his mysterious and tragic death the film is a compelling watch from start to finish. Employing reenactments on Poe's writings and life and interviews with prominent artistic figures like Philip Glass, Richard Wilbur, Joyce Carol Oates, Ira Levin, Alfred Kazin and others one gets a view of a man and a time and the artistry that enriched them. This is one Poe fans and conoisseurs of the arts should not miss.

I recorded this off the air and have watched the entire biography, but I'm only commenting here on the adaptation of the classic Poe short story, "The Cask of Amontillado" with John Heard and Rene Auberjonois.

This story has been perfectly adapted according to its original stature and not made up to be something more as many of Poe's stories have been, sometimes successfully, other times not quite so well done. It's tough to stretch a little short story into a feature length film, which is not attempted here. The costumes are excellent, which is an important element in the story, and the performances are wonderful. You won't be disappointed.

I recommend this lovely video, although it will be tough to find, so watch your local listings.