Incubus (1966) distinguishes itself through its utilization of the Esperanto language, a bold and largely unsuccessful experiment that, combined with a series of tragic real-life events surrounding the cast and crew, has cemented its place as one of horror cinema’s most unusual and arguably cursed productions. This pioneering yet deeply flawed film dares to explore themes of sexual desire and demonic corruption within a visually arresting, albeit linguistically challenging, framework.
A Cinematic Anomaly: The Esperanto Experiment
The most immediately striking and unusual aspect of Incubus is its dialogue, delivered entirely in Esperanto. This constructed language, created in the late 19th century with the goal of facilitating international communication, was envisioned as a universal tongue transcending national barriers. George Lucas, the director, inexplicably chose Esperanto, seemingly believing it would lend an air of otherworldliness and neutrality to the story. In reality, it alienated a large portion of the audience, making comprehension difficult and lending the film an unintentional air of amateurism. While subtitles were provided, the disconnect between the visuals and the alien-sounding language proved a significant barrier to entry for many viewers. The actors, including William Shatner, learned their lines phonetically, leading to stilted delivery and a lack of naturalism that further detracts from the film’s impact. The choice, while ambitious, ultimately backfired, contributing significantly to the film’s obscurity and reputation as a bizarre cinematic curiosity.
The Shadow of Tragedy: A Cursed Production?
Beyond its linguistic oddity, Incubus is shrouded in a cloud of tragedy. The “Incubus Curse”, as it has become known, refers to a series of unfortunate events that plagued the lives of those involved in the film.
The Downfall of William Shatner
While William Shatner went on to achieve immense fame with Star Trek, his role in Incubus remains a largely forgotten footnote in his career. It predated his iconic role as Captain Kirk and, arguably, didn’t significantly impact his ascent to stardom. However, the film’s association with other, darker events contributes to the perception of its negative influence, even indirectly.
The Violent Deaths
Two key figures in the film’s production suffered tragic and violent deaths. Aneta Corsaut, who played Arndis, died prematurely of cancer at the age of 62, and although cancer isn’t a violent act it does contribute to the negative atmosphere surrounding the production. More tragically, actress Allyson Ames, who portrayed the virtuous woman Marisa, later took her own life after battling mental health issues. This added a layer of sorrow and speculation to the already peculiar history of the film. Even more tragically, lead actor Milos Milos, a Czech actor who played the Incubus himself, also took his own life two years after the film’s release. The cumulative effect of these deaths fueled the notion of a curse and further cemented the film’s reputation as being somehow tainted.
A Lost Negative and Neglect
Adding to the film’s misfortune, the original negative of Incubus was lost or destroyed, making it difficult to find good quality prints for many years. This limited its accessibility and contributed to its obscurity. The film was largely neglected and forgotten until it was eventually rediscovered and restored.
Incubus: A Unique Horror Experience
Despite its flaws and the tragic circumstances surrounding its production, Incubus offers a unique and unsettling horror experience. Its stark black-and-white cinematography, combined with the otherworldly Esperanto dialogue, creates a dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere. The film’s exploration of religious themes, sexual temptation, and demonic forces, while somewhat heavy-handed, is surprisingly bold for its time. While not a masterpiece, Incubus is a fascinating and deeply strange film that deserves to be seen, if only to appreciate its unique place in the history of horror cinema. It is a film that defies easy categorization, blending arthouse sensibilities with low-budget horror aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: What is the basic plot of Incubus?
Incubus tells the story of an incubus demon who preys on virtuous women. He seeks a challenge, believing he can corrupt even the purest of souls. He encounters Marisa, a beautiful and devout woman, and attempts to seduce her, leading to a battle between good and evil.
H3: Why was Esperanto chosen for the film?
Director George Lucas (not the Star Wars director) believed that Esperanto would give the film an unearthly and neutral quality, avoiding any specific national or cultural associations. He thought it would make the film more accessible to an international audience, ironically achieving the opposite effect.
H3: Did William Shatner speak Esperanto fluently in Incubus?
No. William Shatner, like the other actors, learned his lines phonetically. He did not understand Esperanto and was simply reciting the sounds he had memorized. This contributes to the somewhat artificial and stilted delivery of the dialogue.
H3: Is Incubus considered a good film?
Opinions on Incubus are divided. While some appreciate its unique atmosphere and ambition, others find it to be poorly acted, confusing, and ultimately unsuccessful. It’s generally considered a cult film with more historical and curiosity value than genuine cinematic merit.
H3: What is the significance of the title Incubus?
An incubus is a male demon believed to lie upon sleeping women and engage in sexual intercourse with them. The film explores this mythological creature and its attempts to corrupt a virtuous woman.
H3: How did the “Incubus Curse” originate?
The “Incubus Curse” is a term coined to describe the series of unfortunate events and tragedies that befell the cast and crew of the film, including the deaths of Allyson Ames and Milos Milos, and the loss of the original negative. The accumulation of these events led to the belief that the film was cursed.
H3: Where can I watch Incubus?
Incubus is available on various streaming platforms and can be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray. Its availability may vary depending on your region. Searching online for “watch Incubus movie” will provide the most up-to-date options.
H3: Was the original negative of Incubus ever recovered?
While the exact fate of the original negative remains somewhat unclear, it was widely believed to be lost or destroyed. However, a print was eventually located, allowing for the film’s restoration and re-release.
H3: Does Incubus have any connection to the Star Wars franchise?
No. The director of Incubus was George Lucas, but he is not the same George Lucas who created Star Wars. This is a common misconception due to the name.
H3: What are some of the religious themes explored in Incubus?
The film explores themes of good versus evil, faith, temptation, and the corruption of innocence. It uses religious imagery and symbolism to depict the battle between the incubus and the virtuous Marisa.
H3: Is Incubus a truly scary film?
Whether Incubus is considered genuinely scary is subjective. It’s more unsettling and atmospheric than overtly terrifying. Its strange dialogue, surreal imagery, and underlying themes of demonic seduction can create a sense of unease and discomfort.
H3: Is it worth watching Incubus?
For those interested in the history of horror cinema, unusual filmmaking experiments, and cult films, Incubus is definitely worth watching. It’s a unique and fascinating piece of cinematic history, even if it’s not a masterpiece. Be prepared for a strange and challenging viewing experience.