A ''resourceful'' book expert is hired by a rich man to verify which of three copies of a black magic book is the genuine article. His investigations take him to Europe, where his life is frequently in danger. He meets up with a mysterious woman who helps him out, as he slowly uncovers the powerful and deadly secret behind the three books...
Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Barbara Jefford
Director
Roman Polanski
Screenplay
John Brownjohn, Enrique Urbizu, Roman Polanski, from the novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
Music
Wojciech Kilar
Cinematography
Darius Khondji
Sound formats
Dolby Digital
Soundtrack
Available
Made in
1999
Produced by
Araba Films, Bac Films, Kino Vision, Le Studio Canal+, Live Entertainment, Origen Productions Cinematograficas, Orly Films, R.P. Productions, TF1 Films Productions, Via Digital
Ian Douglas: Since I have some knowledge of the occult, I found the subject matter interesting, at least initially. As a thriller, it works okay, while leaving far too many loose ends and ''strange behaviour'' unexplained. The film continues too long, way past it's natural ending, with the required-by-Hollywood ''summon the devil while the hero watches helplessly'' scene, leading to an inconclusive ending. We left wondering, ''so what happened next?''
Andre Swanepoel: Good movie but the ending was really pathetic - as if they ran out of money and had to quickly put something together.
