For a dead end street, see cul-de-sac.

Cul-de-sac is a film made in 1966 directed by Roman Polanski. It is Polanski's second film in English, and was filmed on Lindisfarne island in Britain.

The cast includes Donald Pleasence, Françoise Dorléac, Lionel Stander, Jack MacGowran, Iain Quarrier, Geoffrey Sumner, Renee Houston , William Franklyn , Trevor Delaney, Marie Kean and Jacqueline Bissett .

Written by Gerard Brach & Roman Polanski.

Photography: Gil Taylor

Editing: Alastair McIntyre

Music: Krzysztof Komeda

Plot summary

The film begins with gangster Dickie (Lionel Stander) pushing his broken down car through rising seawaters while his companion Albie (Jack MacGowran) lies inside, bleeding from a gunshot wound after a bungled robbery. Cut off by the unexpected rising tide, they are on the only road to a bleak and remote tidal island where, in a dark castle on a hilltop, lives the effeminate and neurotic George (Donald Pleasence) and his luscious young wife Teresa (Françoise Dorléac). Dickie then proceeds to hold the two hostage as he awaits rescue from his boss, the mysterious Katelbach, even throughout an unexpected visit from one of George's old work colleagues.

Cultural impact

Like his previous film Repulsion, it explores themes of horror, frustrated sexuality and alienation, which have become characteristic of most of Polanski's films, notably Rosemary's Baby and The Tenant . Stylishly filmed in Black and White by Gil Taylor with superb locations and an excellent cast, Cul-de-sac was awarded the 1966 Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

It also features Jacqueline Bissett in a small part, in her second film appearance.

Trivia

The film was shot on location at Lindisfarne island off the coast of Northumbria, England. The small "castle" is now a National Trust property and can be toured by the public. Despite forty years having elapsed, the building and surrounds are largely unchanged.

External links

• BFI page

References

• Katz et al (1994), "The Macmillan International Film Encyclopedia". HarperCollins. ISBN 0333616014
• Polanski, Roman. (1984). "Roman". New York: Morrow. ISBN 0688026214