Les Yeux sans visage (Original title)Eyes without a Face (Alternative title)Occhi senza volto (Alternative title)The Horror Chamber of Dr Faustus (Alternative title)
Date: 1959 (Release)Countries: France, ItalyDirector: Georges Franju
Synopsis: Horror chiller. In the woods outside Paris, eminent surgeon Dr Génessier uses the hidden basement of his clinic to perform secret operations in a bid to reconstruct the badly disfigured face of his daughter. He does this by removing the faces of attractive female students who are abducted in Paris for this purpose by his devoted accomplice, Louise. Eventually the police get a lead and they assign Paulette, a young woman who has been caught shoplifting, to go along to the clinic as bait.
Genres: Horror, Medical drama
Subjects: Facial disfigurement, Transplantation, Homicide
Releases
Date: 1960Country: FranceRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 90 mins Language: French
Date: 2015Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: Digital Video - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 90 mins 00 secs - Dialogue (original): French / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Title: Traces of the modern:an alternative history of French cinemaAuthor: BEUGNET, Martine Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On French cinema as expressed between an aesthetic of excess and one of restraint in which the body is significantly featured. Looks at several films.
In: Sight and Sound v18 n6 June 2008 Page: 85
Title: Reviews: DVDs: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: BROOKE, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n272 April 2008 Page: 51
Title: Top 13 French FrightsAuthor: ALEXANDER, Chris Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of a special section on French horror.
In: Empire n229 July 2008 Page: 171
Title: At home/DVD reissues: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: CROOK, Simon Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Science Fiction Film and Television v1 n1 Spring 2008 Pages: 105-114
Title: The lab and the woods: science and myth in Les Yeux sans...Author: PHARR, Mary Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "...visage". Critical appreciation of Georges Franju seminal horror Les YEUX SANS VISAGE, highlighting in particular the film's use of science and mythology; criticising the former whilst invoking the latter.
In: CinémAction n118 2006 Pages: 96-102
Title: Visagéité, la figure humaine et l'(in)humanité dans le...Author: INCE, Kate Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Title ends: '...cinéma de Georges Franju'. Analyses director Georges Franju's recurrent fascination of the human face and figure in his body of work, with reference to Les YEUX SANS VISAGE and JUDEX in particular.
In: 24 Images n121 Spring 2005 Page: 45
Title: Les invisibles: L'horrible beautéAuthor: JEAN, Marcel Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: A celebration of Georges Franju's Les YEUX SANS VISAGE.
In: Film Ireland n103 Mar/Apr 2005 Pages: 32-34
Title: Son of A-Z of Cult CinemaAuthor: VENNER, Mark Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Second part of an overview of cult films.
In: Cinéaste v30 n3 Summer 2005 Pages: 74-75
Title: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: CASHILL, Robert Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v15 n1 January 2005 Page: 75
Title: Nozone: Skin scareAuthor: LUCAS, Tim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v86 n3 March 2005 Pages: 16-18
Title: DVD PlaybackAuthor: SWEENEY, Kenneth Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Shivers n71 November 1999 Pages: 48-51
Title: [Shivers - n71 November 1999: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
In: Cinema Journal v37 n4 Summer 1998 Pages: 37-58
Title: Films without a face: shock horror in the films of...Author: LOWENSTEIN, Adam Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Franju's aesthetic, which has its roots in a strand of Surrealism profoundly influenced by the horrors of World War I, conveys, with a shocking viscerality, the sense of historical trauma wrought by modern technology.
In: Empire n71 May 1995 Page: 51
Title: New filmsArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Télérama n2371 21 Jun 1995 Page: 145
Title: [Télérama - n2371 21 Jun 1995: no known title]Author: SALACHAS, Gilbert Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
In: Sight and Sound v5 n4 April 1995 Pages: 24-27
Title: Homeopathic horrorAuthor: SINCLAIR, Iain Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Nine stills show the opening sequence of the film, a synopsis is given followed by an article discussing Georges Franju's style and vision.
In: Cinéma n369 24 Sep 1986 Pages: 3-4
Title: [Cinéma - n369 24 Sep 1986: no known title]Language: French
In: Cahiers du Cinéma n389 November 1986 Pages: 42-44
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - n389 November 1986: no known title]Language: French
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n188 June 1977 Pages: 3-5,7-39
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n188 June 1977: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
In: Image et Son n176/177 Sep/Oct 1964 Page: 153
Title: [Image et Son - n176/177 Sep/Oct 1964: no known title]Language: French
In: Film Quarterly v15 n4 Summer 1962 Page: 55
Title: [Film Quarterly - v15 n4 Summer 1962: no known title]Language: English
In: Film (BFFS) n28 Mar/Apr 1961 Page: 27
Title: [Film (BFFS) - n28 Mar/Apr 1961: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter about the film.
In: Cahiers du Cinéma v18 n106 April 1960 Page: 48
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - v18 n106 April 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v27 n314 March 1960 Page: 36
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v27 n314 March 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: La Cinématographie Française n1859 12 Mar 1960 Page: 15
Title: [La Cinématographie Française - n1859 12 Mar 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Cinéma n45 April 1960 Page: 122
Title: [Cinéma - n45 April 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Sight and Sound v29 n2 Spring 1960 Page: 92
Title: [Sight and Sound - v29 n2 Spring 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: Film (BFFS) n26 Nov/Dec 1960 Page: 22
Title: [Film (BFFS) - n26 Nov/Dec 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: The Daily Cinema n8262 1 Feb 1960 Page: 8
Title: [The Daily Cinema - n8262 1 Feb 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n34 May 1960 Page: 55
Title: [Positif - n34 May 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Cinéma n34 March 1959 Page: 16
Title: [Cinéma - n34 March 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: On Franju and the making of the film.
In: Cinéma n38 July 1959 Page: 49
Title: [Cinéma - n38 July 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: On the film's making.
In: Variety 26 Aug 1959 Page: 6,34
Title: [Variety - 26 Aug 1959: no known title]Language: English
In: La Technique Cinématographique n196 March 1959 Page: 67
Title: [La Technique Cinématographique - n196 March 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Author: Cyrino, Monica S. Pages: x, 257 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(12)
Accessible materials to view(2)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 7679 FeetBFI identifier: C-52444
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-620392
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Digital materials(2)
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:29:57 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-586995
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:29:57 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-586995-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Video materials(3)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868327
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868331
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868247
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Film materials(7)
Description: 35mm BFI identifier: C-52442
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm BFI identifier: C-52443
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm BW Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1956BFI identifier: C-52440
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 7679 FeetBFI identifier: C-52444
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-620392
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8400 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-198848
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeSound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-52441
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Date: 1959 (Release)Countries: France, ItalyDirector: Georges Franju
Synopsis: Horror chiller. In the woods outside Paris, eminent surgeon Dr Génessier uses the hidden basement of his clinic to perform secret operations in a bid to reconstruct the badly disfigured face of his daughter. He does this by removing the faces of attractive female students who are abducted in Paris for this purpose by his devoted accomplice, Louise. Eventually the police get a lead and they assign Paulette, a young woman who has been caught shoplifting, to go along to the clinic as bait.
Genres: Horror, Medical drama
Subjects: Facial disfigurement, Transplantation, Homicide
Releases
Date: 1960Country: FranceRelease type: unknownFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 90 mins Language: French
Date: 2015Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: Digital Video - Black and White - SoundRuntime: 90 mins 00 secs - Dialogue (original): French / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: BFIPlayer
Credits
(35)
Production Company: Champs-Elysées Productions, Production Company: Lux Film (Rome), Presents: Lux Compagnie Cinématographique de France, Producer: Jules Borkon, Unit Production Manager: Margot Capelier, Production Manager: Pierre Laurent, 1st Assistant Director: Claude Sautet, Script Girl: Ginette Diamant-Berger, Adaptation by: Boileau, Adaptation by: Narcejac, Adaptation by: Jean Redon, Claude Sautet, Dialogue by: Pierre Gascar, Based on the novel by: Jean Redon, {Publisher}: Editions Fleuve Noir, Director of Photography: Eugen Shuftan, Cameraman: Robert Schneider, 1st Assistant [Camera] Operator: Pierre Brard, Stills Photography: Jean-Louis Castelli, Special Effects: Henri Assola, Supervising Editor: Gilbert Natot, Assistant Editor: Denise Natot, Art Director: Auguste Capelier, Assistant Art Director: Jacques Mély, Assistant Art Director: Claude Moesching, Set Decorator: Robert Volper, Gowns: Marie-Martine, Key Make-up: Georges Klein, Hairstyles: Marcelle Testard, Opticals: Lax, Music Composed/Orchestra Directed by: Maurice Jarre, Sound: Antoine Archimbaud, Animals: Marcel Lesourd, Made at: Studios de Boulogne
Cast
(16)
Pierre Brasseur (Dr Génessier), Alida Valli (Louise), Juliette Mayniel (Edna Gruberg), Alexandre Rignault (Inspector Parot), Béatrice Altariba (Paulette Merodon), Blavette (kennel employee), Claude Brasseur (police inspector), Michel Etcheverry (Dr Lherminier), Yvette Etiévent (mother of sick child), René Génin (Henri Tessot), Lucien Hubert (2nd man at cemetery), Marcel Pérès (1st man at cemetery), François Guerin (Dr Jacques Vernon), Édith Scob (Christiane Génessier), Birgitta Juslin (Juliette), Gabrielle Doulcet (Dr Génessier's admirer)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(34)
In: Studies in French Cinema v10 n1 2010 Pages: 11-38Title: Traces of the modern:an alternative history of French cinemaAuthor: BEUGNET, Martine Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: On French cinema as expressed between an aesthetic of excess and one of restraint in which the body is significantly featured. Looks at several films.
In: Sight and Sound v18 n6 June 2008 Page: 85
Title: Reviews: DVDs: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: BROOKE, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Fangoria n272 April 2008 Page: 51
Title: Top 13 French FrightsAuthor: ALEXANDER, Chris Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Part of a special section on French horror.
In: Empire n229 July 2008 Page: 171
Title: At home/DVD reissues: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: CROOK, Simon Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Science Fiction Film and Television v1 n1 Spring 2008 Pages: 105-114
Title: The lab and the woods: science and myth in Les Yeux sans...Author: PHARR, Mary Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "...visage". Critical appreciation of Georges Franju seminal horror Les YEUX SANS VISAGE, highlighting in particular the film's use of science and mythology; criticising the former whilst invoking the latter.
In: CinémAction n118 2006 Pages: 96-102
Title: Visagéité, la figure humaine et l'(in)humanité dans le...Author: INCE, Kate Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Title ends: '...cinéma de Georges Franju'. Analyses director Georges Franju's recurrent fascination of the human face and figure in his body of work, with reference to Les YEUX SANS VISAGE and JUDEX in particular.
In: 24 Images n121 Spring 2005 Page: 45
Title: Les invisibles: L'horrible beautéAuthor: JEAN, Marcel Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: A celebration of Georges Franju's Les YEUX SANS VISAGE.
In: Film Ireland n103 Mar/Apr 2005 Pages: 32-34
Title: Son of A-Z of Cult CinemaAuthor: VENNER, Mark Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Second part of an overview of cult films.
In: Cinéaste v30 n3 Summer 2005 Pages: 74-75
Title: Eyes Without a FaceAuthor: CASHILL, Robert Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English
In: Sight and Sound v15 n1 January 2005 Page: 75
Title: Nozone: Skin scareAuthor: LUCAS, Tim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: American Cinematographer v86 n3 March 2005 Pages: 16-18
Title: DVD PlaybackAuthor: SWEENEY, Kenneth Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Shivers n71 November 1999 Pages: 48-51
Title: [Shivers - n71 November 1999: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
In: Cinema Journal v37 n4 Summer 1998 Pages: 37-58
Title: Films without a face: shock horror in the films of...Author: LOWENSTEIN, Adam Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Franju's aesthetic, which has its roots in a strand of Surrealism profoundly influenced by the horrors of World War I, conveys, with a shocking viscerality, the sense of historical trauma wrought by modern technology.
In: Empire n71 May 1995 Page: 51
Title: New filmsArticle type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Télérama n2371 21 Jun 1995 Page: 145
Title: [Télérama - n2371 21 Jun 1995: no known title]Author: SALACHAS, Gilbert Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
In: Sight and Sound v5 n4 April 1995 Pages: 24-27
Title: Homeopathic horrorAuthor: SINCLAIR, Iain Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Nine stills show the opening sequence of the film, a synopsis is given followed by an article discussing Georges Franju's style and vision.
In: Cinéma n369 24 Sep 1986 Pages: 3-4
Title: [Cinéma - n369 24 Sep 1986: no known title]Language: French
In: Cahiers du Cinéma n389 November 1986 Pages: 42-44
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - n389 November 1986: no known title]Language: French
In: Avant-Scène du Cinéma n188 June 1977 Pages: 3-5,7-39
Title: [L'Avant-Scène du Cinéma - n188 June 1977: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: French
In: Image et Son n176/177 Sep/Oct 1964 Page: 153
Title: [Image et Son - n176/177 Sep/Oct 1964: no known title]Language: French
In: Film Quarterly v15 n4 Summer 1962 Page: 55
Title: [Film Quarterly - v15 n4 Summer 1962: no known title]Language: English
In: Film (BFFS) n28 Mar/Apr 1961 Page: 27
Title: [Film (BFFS) - n28 Mar/Apr 1961: no known title]Article type: LetterLanguage: English
Description: Letter about the film.
In: Cahiers du Cinéma v18 n106 April 1960 Page: 48
Title: [Cahiers du Cinéma - v18 n106 April 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v27 n314 March 1960 Page: 36
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v27 n314 March 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: La Cinématographie Française n1859 12 Mar 1960 Page: 15
Title: [La Cinématographie Française - n1859 12 Mar 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Cinéma n45 April 1960 Page: 122
Title: [Cinéma - n45 April 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Sight and Sound v29 n2 Spring 1960 Page: 92
Title: [Sight and Sound - v29 n2 Spring 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: Film (BFFS) n26 Nov/Dec 1960 Page: 22
Title: [Film (BFFS) - n26 Nov/Dec 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: The Daily Cinema n8262 1 Feb 1960 Page: 8
Title: [The Daily Cinema - n8262 1 Feb 1960: no known title]Language: English
In: Positif n34 May 1960 Page: 55
Title: [Positif - n34 May 1960: no known title]Language: French
In: Cinéma n34 March 1959 Page: 16
Title: [Cinéma - n34 March 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: On Franju and the making of the film.
In: Cinéma n38 July 1959 Page: 49
Title: [Cinéma - n38 July 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: On the film's making.
In: Variety 26 Aug 1959 Page: 6,34
Title: [Variety - 26 Aug 1959: no known title]Language: English
In: La Technique Cinématographique n196 March 1959 Page: 67
Title: [La Technique Cinématographique - n196 March 1959: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(1)
Title: Classical myth on screenAuthor: Cyrino, Monica S. Pages: x, 257 pages
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(12)
Accessible materials to view(2)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 7679 FeetBFI identifier: C-52444
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-620392
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Digital materials(2)
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:29:57 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-586995
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 01:29:57 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-586995-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file
Video materials(3)
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868327
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868331
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: VHS cassetteBFI identifier: C-868247
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Film materials(7)
Description: 35mm BFI identifier: C-52442
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm BFI identifier: C-52443
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Description: 35mm BW Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: MuteLength: 350 FeetStock date: 1956BFI identifier: C-52440
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 7679 FeetBFI identifier: C-52444
Status: Viewing - Viewing experience and projection may be compromised by condition of film print (servicing required)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: SafetySound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-620392
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: SafetySound: CombinedLength: 8400 FeetStock date: 1954BFI identifier: C-198848
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeSound: CombinedBFI identifier: C-52441
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status