It seems that English translations of Jean Ray’s books are hard to find in the U.S. and often very expensive but I hope I can track down some of his work in the future. He’s a fascinating writer and I think I would really enjoy his work.

Thanks again!

Steve - Thanks a lot Steve! I’m glad you’re enjoying the list so far. I’m so envious that you had the chance to see Malpertuis in London. I’ve never seen Eline Vere, but I’m really curious about it and I hope it gets a subtitled release as well. Kumel’s a terrific director even if he comes off really bad in his interviews.

I also wanted to recommend Robert Monell’s blog I’m in a Jess Franco State of Mind for more detailed reviews of the Malpertuis DVD. Malpertuis is really interesting but it will probably only appeal to fans of avant-garde/ surrealist cinema. Even though Welles never leaves his bed in the film, he really puts on a show and the extras are fascinating. The director complains on and on about how “awful” it was to have Welles on set giving him directing tips, doing his own makeup, wasting his time with old stories, etc. and I could only keep thinking, “Shut-up you lucky son-of-a-bitch!” There are plenty of other directors who would have loved to have spent some time in Harry Kümel’s sorry shoes.