Movie Review: The Manitou (1978)
Synopsis:
The Manitou, directed by William Girdler, is a horror film based on Graham Masterton’s novel of the same name. The story centres around a woman named Susan (played by the captivating Victoria Racimo), who discovers that beneath her skin is a malignant growth, which doctors determine to be a tumour. However, as Susan’s condition deteriorates, her fortune turns strange when her psychic friend, Harry Erskine (Tony Curtis), uncovers a sinister force at play.
As the malignant growth progresses, it becomes evident that it harbours a powerful entity from Native American mythology, specifically the Manitou—a vengeful spirit. The plot thickens when it’s revealed that Susan’s condition is not simply a physical ailment, but the manifestation of an ancient medicine man, thus leading Harry into a mystical and terrifying world. With the help of a Native American Shaman, John Singing Rock (Michael Ansara), Harry attempts to confront this haunting spirit and save Susan before it consumes her entirely.
The film combines psychic phenomena with body horror, creating a blend of modern medical fears and the age-old terror of the supernatural. As the narrative unfolds, the viewer is taken on a disturbing journey that bridges spiritual and physical realms, ultimately addressing the complexities of cultural appropriation and the conflict between modernity and ancient beliefs.
List of Actors and Their Characters:
- Tony Curtis as Harry Erskine
- Victoria Racimo as Susan
- Michael Ansara as John Singing Rock
- Susan Strasberg as Nurse
- Beverly D’Angelo as a young woman in a psychedelic sequence
- Bobby Van as Dr. Paul
- Astraea Myers as a talking head
Conclusion:
The Manitou is an enthralling amalgamation of horror, supernatural elements, and psychological drama, woven together with the urgent motifs of life, death, and the unknown. The film paces itself effectively, allowing audiences to acclimatise to the growing sense of dread that envelops Susan and Harry. While it hails from the late 1970s, its themes remain surprisingly relevant, particularly in discussions around cultural sensitivity and the ways in which modern society interacts with and often misinterprets ancient beliefs.
The performances are notably varied, with Tony Curtis delivering a somewhat campy, yet earnest portrayal of Harry Erskine. Victoria Racimo shines in her role, capturing the desperation and vulnerability of her character as she undergoes her horrific transformation. Michael Ansara lends the film gravitas, grounded in the authenticity of his role as the spiritual guide.
However, The Manitou is not without its flaws. Some sequences bear the unmistakable hallmark of the era’s cheap special effects, which can elicit unintended laughter rather than the intended horror. The film’s pacing occasionally stumbles as it meanders through exposition-heavy dialogue and psychedelic dream sequences that feel disconnected from the central plot.
That said, the film earns its place in the canon of horror largely due to its audacious premise and unique blend of traditional horror tropes with indigenous mythology, making it a noteworthy example of 1970s genre cinema. Its audacity in exploring the intersection of Eastern spirituality and Western medicine warrants appreciation in contemporary viewings.
In conclusion, The Manitou offers a vivid exploration of horror rooted in cultural traditions while also acting as a cautionary tale about the erosion of ancient practices in the modern world. For those who enjoy horror films that delve into psychological and supernatural realms, The Manitou is certainly worth a watch, albeit with a certain acceptance of its period-typical quirks and oddities. On the whole, I would score The Manitou a 7 out of 10, marking it as a captivating horror film with charmingly flawed execution.
