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Histoires extraordinaires, also known as Spirits of the Dead in the English-speaking world, is a 1968 French-Italian anthology horror film that brings to life the macabre and surreal short stories of Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most significant American writers and poets in the Gothic genre. Directed by three noteworthy European directors—Federico Fellini, Louis Malle, and Roger Vadim—this cinematic triptych weaves a tapestry of dark fantasies and eerie tales, each segment exploring the depths of human psyche, obsession, and supernatural encounters.

The film comprises three segments, each based on a different Poe story, and the cast includes an ensemble of notable actors and actresses who were among the most famous and talented of their time. Jane Fonda, Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, and Terence Stamp are some of the celebrated names that grace the screen, each playing central roles in the anthology's haunting narratives.

The first segment, titled "Metzengerstein," is directed by Roger Vadim and stars Jane Fonda as the protagonist. Set in a medieval castle, this tale of generational feuds and forbidden passions delves into the life of a young countess, Frederique, who is known for her voracious appetites and cruel demeanor. After the accidental death of her cousin, an enigmatic black stallion captures the countess's attention, and she becomes increasingly consumed by the mysterious presence of the horse. Richly decorated and with an almost dreamlike quality, Vadim’s gothic vision explores themes of fate, revenge, and the supernatural.

The second entry is Louis Malle's "William Wilson," which features Alain Delon in the titular role. The story follows the chilling confessions of Wilson, a sadistic Austrian officer, to a woman in a church. As he recounts his life, he reveals his encounters with a doppelgänger, a person identical to him in appearance, who challenges his cruel actions and seems to haunt him wherever he goes. This tale is a psychological exploration of identity, morality, and the duality of human nature, building tension through a series of increasingly sinister events that question whether the evil within us can ever truly be escaped or overcome.

The last segment, "Toby Dammit," is a cinematic translation of Poe's "Never Bet the Devil Your Head" by the celebrated Italian director Federico Fellini. It stars Terence Stamp as Toby Dammit, a jaded English actor who arrives in Rome to star in a new religious film. Haunted by visions of a tantalizingly elusive girl with a bouncing ball, Dammit's reality becomes increasingly distorted by a nightmarish atmosphere fueled by fame, fanaticism, and hallucination. Known for his unique visual style, Fellini infuses this segment with a surreal and avant-garde approach. The story delves deep into the excesses of the film industry, the loneliness of stardom, and the decadence of a hedonistic society.

The visual storytelling of Histoires extraordinaires is exemplary, with each director bringing their own signature style and approach to Poe’s stories. The lush and stylized cinematography, set design, and costumes capture the various periods and settings of the tales, from the brooding medieval castle to the haunting streets of Rome. The film creates a hypnotic and unnerving experience for viewers, using both explicit and subtle horror elements to provoke and unsettle.

The soundtracks accompanying the three segments enhance the narratives considerably, ranging from eerie soundscapes and classical compositions to psychedelic tunes that mirror the heightened state of the characters’ experiences. Notably, in "Toby Dammit," Nino Rota's score complements Fellini's extravagant visuals to create a feverish and otherworldly mood, encapsulating the segment's descent into madness.

The performances are equally compelling. Jane Fonda's portrayal of the capricious Countess Metzengerstein is as haunting as it is charismatic. Alain Delon’s brooding and intense rendition of the dual William Wilsons adds a layer of intrigue and psychological complexity. Terence Stamp embodies the disintegrating psyche of Dammit, where his performance blurs the lines between the real and the surreal.

From Vadim's medieval tale of horror, through Malle's study of conscience, to Fellini's dizzying depiction of excess, Histoires extraordinaires is an anthology that offers a uniquely European cinematic interpretation of Poe’s American gothic literature. Each segment is an atmospheric and visually rich experience that invites the audience to reflect on the dark and profound themes at the heart of human existence. The film is not just a horror anthology, but also an artful and thoughtful exploration of the human condition, encapsulating the timeless allure of Edgar Allan Poe's twisted tales.