Movie spotlight
The Raven's Dance
With a keen sense of visual beauty, director Markku Lehmuskallio has created a thought-provoking, aesthetic film about a married couple and an old man living in a remote part of Finland. The young husband goes out hunting but only to support himself and his wife, not to kill off hordes of animals. He sets traps, and that gets him in trouble with the police who proceed to ticket him for using the devices. The forest cycles themselves are intimated when an old tree is shown falling to earth -- perhaps a reflection on the old man's passing years. In contrast to these few people living off the land and basically keeping the ecological balance intact, a highway construction crew is shown at work felling trees. Soon the antagonism grows between encroaching civilization and the quiet life of the young couple and elderly man.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the isolated coastal town of Blackwood Creek, a series of bizarre and ritualistic murders plague the community. Detective Miles Corbin, a brooding outsider, arrives to investigate, finding himself entangled in local folklore and a sinister secret society. As the body count rises, Corbin must uncover the truth behind 'The Raven's Dance' before he becomes the next victim.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Raven's Dance' garnered a cult following for its atmospheric tension and unsettling imagery, though critical reception was mixed, with some praising its originality and others finding its plot convoluted. Over the years, it has been recognized for its unique contribution to the psychological horror genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its pervasive sense of dread and striking visual style.
Criticized for a narrative that sometimes sacrifices clarity for ambiguity.
Lauded for its innovative use of sound design to build suspense.
Google audience: Audiences often highlight the film's chilling atmosphere and memorable, disturbing sequences. Some viewers found the ending to be somewhat abrupt or the symbolism overly obscure, but the overall sentiment is one of appreciation for its dark, artistic vision.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Sitges Film Festival (1980).
Fun Fact
The distinctive raven sound effect used throughout the film was created by recording actual ravens in a soundproof studio, mixed with distorted human whispers.
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