The Medusa Touch is a paranormal thriller based on the novel by Peter Van Greenaway. It has been one of my favourite films since I first saw it on TV in the mid-eighties. It left a lasting impression upon my young mind with its very British sense of style and narrative understatement. Being a joint British and French co-production some interesting changes were made to the original story to suit an international audience. The British Police Inspector from the book becomes a French Officer (played by Lino Ventura) on administrative exchange. The gender of the psychiatrist Zondfield also changes from male to female to accommodate American actress Lee Remick. The screenplay also reduces the role of the church in the storyline and updates several topical references.