José Ramón Larraz (°1928, Barcelona) is an unusual figure in Spanish cinema. He started working in graphics in the 50s and 60s, first in Spain and later in France and Belgium, embarking on a prolific career as both a comic book illustrator and photographer. But Larraz was attracted mainly to film. An encounter with Josef von Sternberg at the Royal Cinematheque of Brussels changes his course and encourages him to actualize his cinematic goals. Larraz begins his first film and, being a devout anglophile, moves to England. It’s during this ’English’ period that he refines his approach to terror cinema: influenced by authors like Thomas Owen and Henry James, he creates ’sensory’ – or sensual - cinema paradoxically closer to certain gialli than to the horror productions of Hammer. Despite the originality of his approach, the international and yet confidential nature of Larraz and his work has long kept him in the margins. This homage hopes to enlighten audiences on the unique career of this independent director.
José Ramón Larraz will unfortunately be unable to attend our festival due to health problems. This programation is still highly recommanded as it is a rare occasion to discover his work.