Years ago, I had significant training in hypnosis when I was in graduate school. One sad fact I learned is that despite films like "Black Magic" and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari", you cannot use hypnotic skills to turn people into slaves to do your evil bidding. I know...I know...a real shame isn't it? So, when I watch movies with plots like these, I just have to turn off my brain and enjoy them without thinking like a psychotherapist.
When the film begins in the 18th century, some gypsies are unfairly accused of witchcraft and are executed at the orders of the Viscount de Montagne...and the couple's young son, Joseph Balsamo, is ordered blinded!! The boy is fortunately rescued...but not until after he witnesses his parents' execution. Not surprisingly, this embittered the boy and one day he would return for revenge...but how?
One day, the famous hypnotist, Anton Mesmer, recognizes the young man's innate hypnotic skills and trains them. However, Balsamo isn't concerned with using the powers for good and soon disappears...out to make his fortune abusing his gifts. And, soon he's come to once again see the Viscount...and he hatches a plan to destroy him. However, after a while, revenge alone isn't what Balsamo wants...he wants power...and all of France!!
The best thing about this film is Orson Welles' magnetic performance. The story is also quite good...and is well worth seeing.
By the way, throughout the film folks use the word 'hypnosis'. This term was not coined until the 1820s and the film was set in the 1770s. Not a huge mistake...but it would have been referred to as either magnetism or mesmerism instead.
When the film begins in the 18th century, some gypsies are unfairly accused of witchcraft and are executed at the orders of the Viscount de Montagne...and the couple's young son, Joseph Balsamo, is ordered blinded!! The boy is fortunately rescued...but not until after he witnesses his parents' execution. Not surprisingly, this embittered the boy and one day he would return for revenge...but how?
One day, the famous hypnotist, Anton Mesmer, recognizes the young man's innate hypnotic skills and trains them. However, Balsamo isn't concerned with using the powers for good and soon disappears...out to make his fortune abusing his gifts. And, soon he's come to once again see the Viscount...and he hatches a plan to destroy him. However, after a while, revenge alone isn't what Balsamo wants...he wants power...and all of France!!
The best thing about this film is Orson Welles' magnetic performance. The story is also quite good...and is well worth seeing.
By the way, throughout the film folks use the word 'hypnosis'. This term was not coined until the 1820s and the film was set in the 1770s. Not a huge mistake...but it would have been referred to as either magnetism or mesmerism instead.