A lady photographer falls under the spell of a witch
Short on plot but nevertheless an arty attempt to film Guido Crepax's comic creation. Quite atmospheric and well done, albeit slow. I never really warmed to the actress playing the photographer, Valentina, which would have helped but overall the film manages to keep your attention.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Bulldog Drummond Comes Back (1937)
Stiff upper lip time as Drummond gets involved in yet another fiendish plot. In a rather bizarre plot the fiends have concocted a plan in which they deliver clues to Mr D as to where to find his fiancé so when he does get there they can bump him off, regardless of the fact they had plenty of opportunities to do just that while delivering the clues. Silly, but fast paced and good-natured fun.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Four Times That Night (1972)
Tina and Gianni's date is seen from 4 different perspectives, but what really happened?
A one-off foray into the slight genre of the sex comedy for Mario Bava and it's easy to see why he wasn't tempted back. Not that it's awful, but there is no room for Bava to display his talents and his lack of understanding of directing comedy makes for a somewhat stagey film. In essence a remake of, or a least a direct copy of the idea from, Kurosawa's Rashomon, Four Times That Night isn't as clever as it likes to think it is and significant plot points can be found missing as we move between versions. However it is amusing in places and Daniela Giordano is a treat.
A one-off foray into the slight genre of the sex comedy for Mario Bava and it's easy to see why he wasn't tempted back. Not that it's awful, but there is no room for Bava to display his talents and his lack of understanding of directing comedy makes for a somewhat stagey film. In essence a remake of, or a least a direct copy of the idea from, Kurosawa's Rashomon, Four Times That Night isn't as clever as it likes to think it is and significant plot points can be found missing as we move between versions. However it is amusing in places and Daniela Giordano is a treat.
IQ (1994)
Tim Robbins, a garage mechanic, falls for Albert Einstein's niece when she comes to his garage in her fiance's car. He tries to woo her, aided by Einsyein and his friends.
By-the-numbers RomCom of the type that Ryan was churning out by the bucketload in the 90s. Matthau as Einstein helps make this lacklustre comedy watchable.
By-the-numbers RomCom of the type that Ryan was churning out by the bucketload in the 90s. Matthau as Einstein helps make this lacklustre comedy watchable.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Suspiria (1977)
Jessica Harper arrives at a ballet school in Europe unaware that the teachers are a coven of witches.
Not a great deal to be said about this movie other than it is one of, if not the, best horror movies ever made. Why on earth they want to remake it baffles me; just re-release it. It is still as visceral, horrifying and goddamned brilliant as it ever was. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you rectify that as soon as possible.
Not a great deal to be said about this movie other than it is one of, if not the, best horror movies ever made. Why on earth they want to remake it baffles me; just re-release it. It is still as visceral, horrifying and goddamned brilliant as it ever was. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you rectify that as soon as possible.
Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)
A 'Bill and Ted' type mindless comedy. There are some heartuy chuckles to be had in what is basically a harmless romp.
Daughters of Darkness (1971)
Length 100mins
Director Harry Kumel
Country Belgium
Lead Actors Daphne Seyrig, John Karlen
Language Dutch
Genre Horror
Plot A young couple arrive at an out of season hotel and are bewitched by the only other occupants, Countess Bathory and her companion.
Comments If you have ever wondered what would have happened if you crossed a Hammer lesbian vampire flick with a European Arthouse movie then wonder no more; you would have Daughters of Darkness. The story takes its time to evolve but the film is constantly sumptious to look at with scenes arranged lovingly as an grand master would do before putting brush to canvas. Colour is an important motif to the story as he uses red dissolves to move between scenes mirroring the Countess' desire for the red sticky stuff. With long, lingering shots of the hotel and its interiors you are reminded of the great arthouse classic, Last Year In Marienbad, which also featured Dapne Seyrig. Seyrig herself adds inestimable class to the proceedings and makes the Countess by far the most interesting character. Next to Seyrig, the others seem nothing more than commonplace. A thoughtful, intelligent piece of cinema that plays down its horrors.
Director Harry Kumel
Country Belgium
Lead Actors Daphne Seyrig, John Karlen
Language Dutch
Genre Horror
Plot A young couple arrive at an out of season hotel and are bewitched by the only other occupants, Countess Bathory and her companion.
Comments If you have ever wondered what would have happened if you crossed a Hammer lesbian vampire flick with a European Arthouse movie then wonder no more; you would have Daughters of Darkness. The story takes its time to evolve but the film is constantly sumptious to look at with scenes arranged lovingly as an grand master would do before putting brush to canvas. Colour is an important motif to the story as he uses red dissolves to move between scenes mirroring the Countess' desire for the red sticky stuff. With long, lingering shots of the hotel and its interiors you are reminded of the great arthouse classic, Last Year In Marienbad, which also featured Dapne Seyrig. Seyrig herself adds inestimable class to the proceedings and makes the Countess by far the most interesting character. Next to Seyrig, the others seem nothing more than commonplace. A thoughtful, intelligent piece of cinema that plays down its horrors.
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