The Escapees

M. Dowden

at 5:52 am

Jean Rollin’s Les Paumees Du Petit Matin is here presented for the first time on dvd. If you are expecting a horror movie though you will be disappointed, this most definitely isn’t one. With problems from the outset it nearly never saw the light of day but since it was first shown in France it has gained some popularity amongst some people.

Michelle and Marie escape from an institution. Michelle, who is very outgoing reluctantly takes Marie with her, who is afraid of people. Hitching a ride with a travelling underground burlesque/ prostitution troupe they come across the pickpocket Sophie. Taking us through surreal dreamlike sequences and then into farcical scenes Rollin has produced something that is hypnotic and haunting. The three girls decide to stowaway on a ship, but before this happens tragic circumstances hit them. As the film progresses we see why Michelle and Marie are like what they are, and how an unlikely bond forms between the girls.

There is some nudity, and a lesbian scene, as well as some killing but this film is mainly sedate throughout only showing some action in the final period. This isn’t a film for everybody, but it somehow holds your attention with its strangeness and would probably suit Rollin fans than the general watcher of films. Also included is an interview with Jean Rollin.
Rating: 4 / 5

Rosten Artturi

at 8:37 am

Simply: This film is a Jean Rollin horror masterpiece! Nobody can build unexplainable strange atmosphere like Jean Rollin.

Watch it!

4½/5
Rating: 5 / 5