Murder in Pompeii. Voices in the night. Despair in the gutter. A phantasmagoria of fright.
Synopsis
Fragment of Fear (1970) follows a former drug addict and author who travels to Italy to visit his wealthy aunt, only to find her strangled amid a coastal holiday. Dissatisfied with the police response, he pursues answers on his own, but cryptic warnings, mysterious interruptions, and unsettling encounters blur the line between fact and illusion. This psychological thriller blends conspiracy intrigue and creeping paranoia in a tense study of obsession and mistrust.
Criticism
-
Fragment of Fear is a fascinating, convoluted puzzle which asks more questions than it chooses to answer. … Fans of cult Sixties cinema should seek it out, and enjoy this last gasp entry from the counter culture film school.
David Flint, Ten Years of Terror: British Horror Films of the 1970s (FAB Press, 2001) -
Fragment of Fear is three-quarters of the way towards being a truly great film. Sadly, the ending—not so much ambiguous as downright encrypted—ruins much good approach play.
Keith Topping, A Vault of Horror (Telos Publishing, 2004)
Selected disc options for Fragment of Fear
Notes
- Indicator’s Blu-ray includes a 36-page booklet with writing by Johnny Mains (“‘Fragment of Fear’: Fragments of Facts”). Reissued without booklet (2022/04/25).
~ Have you spotted a mistake or would like to suggest a disc be added? Request an update ~
Ultimate Edition
Combine the best digital presentation with a selection of choice extras for the ultimate edition.
-
Paul Dehn: The Writer as Auteur (14:02) -
Interview with First Assistant Director William P. Cartlidge (9:57)
| Presentation | |
|---|---|
| Extras | Paul Dehn: The Writer as Auteur - With Author David Kipen Indicator BD |
| Interview with First Assistant Director William P. Cartlidge Indicator BD | |
| Stills Gallery Indicator BD | |
| Theatrical Trailer Indicator BD | |
| US Radio Spots Indicator BD |