After watching Orchestrator of Storms, I can safely say that I am more excited than ever to dive into the provocative filmography of Jean Rollin. Dima Ballin’s and Kat Ellinger’s documentary about the prolific French filmmaker is not without its faults, but it easily succeeds in its mission: to spread the gospel of Rollin and his films. My criticisms lie mostly in both the long-winded and unbroken exposition by the film’s narrator and its many talking heads, and its strictly linear storytelling (I’d like to have seen some sensationalized panache to match the coolness of its subject matter).
Both of these complaints, however, are mostly overcome by the pure artistry of the movie clips that are shared for our benefit and enjoyment, and the loving knowledge of Rollin’s friends, family, and fans. All told, Orchestrator of Storms is an informative and stirring portrait of an artist finally getting the due he’s deserved all along.
Originally published by ASHEVILLE MOVIES.
James is a writer, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.