Jean Rollin: The Fantastique Collection Part I

Jean Rollin: The Fantastique Collection Part I

Jean Rollin was the master of far-out French erotic horror. Beginning in the late 60s, he created sensual and poetic horror films - that he preferred referred to as “mysteries” - that were surreal and dreamlike, gothic and atmospheric, and often shot on location in moonlit castles and among crumbling ruins.

Mostly known for his gorgeous and seductive vampire films, Rollin was a passionate and resourceful filmmaker with a personal and unmistakable style and a vision that he would do anything to see realised - even if it meant having to direct sex films under a pseudonym on the side.

Full of absolutely unforgettable imagery that will find its way into your dreams; welcome to the mysterious, beautiful and fantastique world of Jean Rollin.

‘Jean Rollin: The Fantastique Collection Part 1’ brings together his first three vampire movies alongside two of his short films. ‘The Rape of the Vampire’ was Rollin’s first feature. Shot in black and white and causing a near-riot upon its first projection during a period of civil unrest in France, it sees four women convinced that they are vampires hunted down and killed by the local townsfolk… until the Queen of the Vampires arrives.

Rollin’s second feature, ‘The Nude Vampire’, is his first in colour as well as the first time he would work with frequent collaborators the twin Castel sisters. Influenced by a pulpy French serial and surrealism, it features sumptuous sets and incredible costuming that will have your eye out if you’re not careful, in a tale of a man drawn into a chilling cult who are experimenting on a young, mute vampire woman.

‘The Shiver of the Vampires’ sees a pair of foolish newlyweds stop for a night’s stay at a castle full of vampires. Shot in an abandoned castle cum hippy commune, ‘Shiver’ features hippy fashions, some of the best vampire entrances ever - including an iconic emergence from a grandfather clock - and a particularly painful nipples stabbing.

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Jean Rollin: The Fantastique Collection Part I
  • The Shiver of the Vampires

    1971 ・ France ・ Directed by Jean Rollin

    A young honeymooning couple stop for the night at an ancient castle. Unbeknownst to them, the castle is home to a horde of vampires, who have their own plans for the couple.

  • A Taste of the French Erotic: The Fantastique World of Jean Rollin

    Join author, writer and freelance critic, Kat Ellinger, for a fascinating peek into the inner workings of the fantastique world of Jean Rollin.

    Perfect as a primer for those unfamiliar with Rollin's films and have stumbled into his universe of madness and death for the first time, but equally en...