Analysis of Francis Bacon's Influence on Jerzy Skolimowski's 1978 Film 'The Shout'

The 1978 film 'The Shout,' directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, showcases the rivalry between composer Anthony Fielding and the mysterious Crossley, who asserts he possesses supernatural abilities to kill. It incorporates three paintings by Francis Bacon: 'Paralytic Child Walking on All Fours' (1961), 'Head VI' (1949), and 'Reclining Nude' (1969), presented as reproductions and tableaux vivants. Adapted by Michael Austin from Robert Graves' 1929 short story, the narrative includes a cricket match set in a mental asylum and delves into musique concrète through Fielding's sound experiments. Crossley’s amplified shout, utilizing Dolby stereo, stands in stark contrast to Fielding’s pursuit of primal sound. Influences from Bacon are recognized in the works of filmmakers such as Pier Paolo Pasolini and composer Gerhard Schurmann. This article was authored by Monika Keska and published on April 15, 2012.