Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most influential writers in world literature. American author and poet, he is one of the most famous names of dark romanticism. His dark, macabre and psychologically intense narratives have a fascination not only in literature, but also extend to other arts, such as cinema.
Poe’s work has already been adapted into feature films since the beginning of the seventh art. Taking inspiration from this, we list the 10 best film adaptations by the author. Find out what they are below.
Edgar Allan Poe: the best films
Under the direction of the famous director, literary critic and writer Jean Epstein, “The Fall of the House Usher” is an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous gothic tale of the same name.
This silent horror film is one of the most popular cinematic versions of the story. Epstein collaborated on the screenplay with none other than Luis Buñuel.
In the plot, Roderick Usher, a man obsessed with his dying wife, Madeline, invites his only friend to his mysterious mansion.
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Horror film based on Poe’s story of the same name and was one of Universal Pictures’ biggest successes at the time of its release. The film stars Boris Karloff and Béla Lugosi, two icons of American horror cinema. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, a director known for his low-budget cult noir, “Detour.”
In the story, an American honeymoon couple and a mysterious doctor (Lugosi) get into a car accident in Hungary. However, they find refuge in the castle of a famous architect (Karloff), who shares a dark past with the doctor.
In the 1960s, the production company American International Pictures (AIP) released a series of films directed by Roger Corman, based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. This period is known as the “Poe Cycle”.
Derived from the short story of the same name, “Premature Burial” is the third film in the series of eight Corman/Poe productions. The film tells the story of a man (Ray Milland) who has an irrational fear of being buried while he is still alive.
Seventh film of the “Poe Cycle” directed by Roger Corman, based on the story “The Masque of the Red Death”. This feature film stars the illustrious Vincent Price, who played leading roles in several films in this adaptation series. Additionally, the film incorporates elements of another Poe story, “Hop-Frog.”
In the plot, Vincent Price plays a medieval Satanist prince who terrorizes the local peasants. He protects himself from a terrible plague that is ravaging the region in his castle, where he hosts sumptuous parties.
The eighth and final film in the “Poe Cycle”, “The Sinister Tomb” is a horror film adapted from the short story “Ligeia” and features Vincent Price and Elizabeth Shepherd in the lead roles.
In the plot, Vincent Price plays a man deeply affected by the loss of his wife, but who remarries when he meets a determined Lady (Shepherd). However, the shadow of his late wife continues to influence their lives.
In Satan’s Dark Room (1972)
This detective story directed by Sergio Martino is a loose adaptation based on some elements of the story “The Black Cat” (“The Black Cat” in the original).
In the plot, a poor, alcohol-addicted writer spends his time promoting wild parties at his country villa and humiliating his wife. However, he becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders of several women.
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This film is a horror anthology that brings together three segments featuring adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s works. Each segment is directed by a famous European director.
French director Roger Vadim directs the first segment, based on the short story “Metzengerstein.” The second segment, adapted from the short story “William Wilson”, is directed by Frenchman Louis Malle. Finally, the famous Italian director Federico Fellini directs the third short film entitled “Toby Dammit”, which is inspired by the story “Never bet your head with the devil: a story with a moral”.
Black Cat (1981)
Another feature film based on the story “The Black Cat”. Director Lucio Fulci, known for his gory horror works, was loosely inspired by the story to direct this terrifying film full of graphic violence.
In the story, a Scotland Yard inspector is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a couple in a quiet village. However, when the couple is found dead under mysterious circumstances, a bloodbath begins.
Another anthology horror production based on the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, “Two Satanic Eyes” is a co-production between Italy and the USA. The film features two segments, each directed by masters of cinema: George A. Romero and Dario Argento.
In the first segment, Romero directs, based on the short story “The Case of Mr. Valdemar”. In the second segment, entitled “The Black Cat” and directed by Argento, the narrative is based on Poe’s story of the same name, also incorporating other influences from the author’s works.
The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)
Specializing in horror films, director Stuart Gordon made a loose adaptation of the story “The Pit and the Pendulum”. Gordon also incorporated elements of another of Poe’s works, “The Cask of Amontillado”, into the plot. Furthermore, the film is set during the height of the Spanish Inquisition and features the inquisitor Tomás de Torquemada as one of the central characters.
In the story, Inquisitor Torquemada is attracted by the beauty of a young woman who opposes the church’s use of torture. Conflicted by his own desires, the religious man decides to accuse her of witchcraft. When the young woman’s husband tries to save her, Torquemada decides to subject him to the torture instrument known as “The Pit and the Pendulum”.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
