"Taste of Fear", directed by Seth Holt

US title - Scream of Fear

Movie, 1961

Crackling, atmospheric suspense horror thriller, in which a load of tropes are aired - the spooky house, the creepy matriarch, the imperiled heroine - and a storming film delivered. This is unsophisticated, well-plotted fare, without a trace of gore, but some suitably jolting moments. At times, the lighting, the angles, the photography and claustrophobia build a really terrific atmosphere, which more than compensates for creaking plot points and the odd piece of cardboard acting. Well worth seeking out for a night time comfort watch. 

"Moderato Cantabile," by Marguerite Duras

Novella, 1958

Meditative, claustrophobic study of a woman affected by seeing a murder, then returning to the cafe where it was committed. The detached narrative runs over some real pressures from family and acquaintances, dealings with whom seem likely to have driven the protagonist to drink. The dislocation and strange behaviours appear to oppress the book's heroine, who may or may not stand in a wider feminine perspective. A quick and engaging read; gloomy and persuasive, with a dreamlike fatality. 

"A Trick I Learned from Dead Men," by Kitty Aldridge

Novel, 2012

Readable first person account of how a young funeral parlour employee tries to grow up in the face of hugely challenging domestic and personal circumstances. A quick read in which Lee, the main character, has a strong voice which is very occasionally undermined by being perhaps a little too 'shouty' and vernacular. Still, the first person narrative and deadpan delivery are effective in getting across the character of the main players in the book, and also a helpless sense of trying to escape the small town. Heavy handed, but not at all bad for it.

"Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?" directed by Robert Aldrich

Movie, 1969

Curious horror, bridging the psychological and psychopathic with a little bludgeoning and some kitsch and camp thrown in. Echoes of all sorts of films are in here, packaged a little hurriedly, so that while effective in places, the film's uneven. Good performances from the rather demented female leads, even if the plot's a little leaky and daft and the dialogue and romance between Aunt Alice's nephew and the girl living next door feel tacked on contrived. For all that, entertaining and with some, if not a huge amount, of edge. Time probably hasn't been kind to this film....

Poster by Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26752272

"The Revenant," directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu

Movie, 2015

Revenge family drama in the trappers' Wild West, with a bear-attack, some mastery in muttering and portrayals of Indians which feel a little tired and old-fashioned. The sentiments and narrative also feel a little overdone, but against all these criticisms, the locations are stunning and brought out by some wonderful photography. The action sequences are full of grit and gore, and things are paced quite well. Those who enjoy the last man battling against the odds, there's lots to commend here; for others, the going maybe a little tougher.

"The Feverhead," by Wolfgang Bauer

Novel, 1966

Surreal novel in the form of a written correspondence between two Austrian friends, whose letters about thermometers, poets, parties of tiny school children and two bodied captains cross each other and are variously intercepted by other characters, including the ubiquitous 'Ulf'. This is a book which starts with zip and humour, but which gets darker as the action ratchets up. The surreal emphasis alienates and does little to help the reader follow a narrative thread which nonetheless appears central to the text, making for a confusing but sporadically rewarding novel.

"The Turning Point", directed by William Dieterle

Movie, 1952

Crime drama, in which a newly appointed American police head is given a rough time and some uncomfortable home truths as he tries to sort out a local crime ring. This is a film which clips along reasonably well, except for an overlong courtroom scene. If the film's not startlingly original, the trials and journey for the main police character give the whole thing some poignancy. Otherwise, the characters and action are a little flabby, although this doesn't mean the film's too flat to enjoy.