MovieChat Forums > Matthew Hopkins: Witchfinder General (1968) Discussion > Great film and one of Price's most distu...

Great film and one of Price's most disturbing roles, but editing was meh

posted 13 years ago by fontroy5
4 replies | jump to latest

I found the story truly amazing and brutal best way to describe it. It's not as slow on the pace as Wickerman and it hits with how horrific it was. The only character you can actually feel sympathy for a time is a Roundhead which in itself was unusual. Price's portrayal here was truly demonic is best way to describe it, way he controlled the peasants and used their fear and greed to kill innocent people. It wasn't nice at all.

Now my problem is this. The editing in my copy was freaking awful, offputting and jarring beyond belief. They had jumpcuts, blackouts, one time dialogue didn't finish and it felt many times like the director had been high while making it.

It's great film but it's because of editing can only give this 7/10.

[–] vestdennis 13 years ago

I remember the first time I saw it on TV I found some of the scenes pretty disturbing, especially for a film this old. Price forcing himself on the young girl (who was promised to another man) was kind of yucky! He used his position to get his way with the girls and anyone else...

[–] scribe1270 12 years ago

I understand Mr. Price was disturbed by his character in this movie as well. As I heard it he didn't usually go to see his own movies but for some reason decided to attend a viewing of Witchfinder General. Afterwards he was asked what he thought of the film and is said to have said that it scared the hell out of him. lol. He'd been so focused on staying in character while doing the actual filming that he distanced himself from the role and only had it brought home to him when he saw the finished movie.

[–] cold_sky 10 years ago

Well I agree with Mr. Price. This film scared the bejeezus out of me. I think just knowing that this sick stuff actually happened is what makes it so disturbing.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) a year ago

Perhaps Vincent Price may not have attended the showings of his own films in later years. But in his early days as a horror icon he loved it. He would surprise audience members who were sitting in front of him by asking them if they were enjoying the movie. All done in his mock sinister way which gave those lucky people the jump scare of their lives.