Wednesday 11 January 2012

North By Northwest (1957) - This classic lived up to its status as a thoroughly enjoyable proto-James Bond style thriller. Funnier and less serious than I expected it to be - characteristics that would normally put me off a thriller, but Hitchcock's mastery makes it work. Early train scenes were surprisingly sexual for the time and give an indication of the themes Hitchcock would go on to develop in much more depth in masterpieces like Vertigo and Psycho.


Mill of the Stone Women (1960) - Enjoyable colour gothic horror with a unique setting. Some beautiful images to be found here, photographed with a style similar to that of Mario Bava's '60's horrors, albeit slightly more conservative.


Overall the film lacks edge; compared to Bava's contemporaneous "Mask of Satan" there is little in the way of genuine horror. Still, worthwhile watching for the visuals and stmospheric setting.

Friday 6 January 2012

January 2012 Reviews

Kill, Baby... Kill! (1966) - A very atmospheric and colourful Gothic horror film that doesn't deserve the inane sensationalist title afforded to it. One of Bava's best two or three films.



Vertigo (1958) - Third viewing, almost on a par with second viewing. First film watched with new 24" monitor and a brilliant choice. Absolutely stunning to watch and an all-round excellent film. The soundtrack plays a great role in developing the romance and obsession that gives the film its depth.


The Fifth Cord (1971) - This is definitely diamond in the rough that is the Giallo genre. Primarily notable for brilliant photography by revered cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, the film's visuals are also unique in their use of of very modern (for the time) design - whether interior or exterior. The films dark yet luminous palette is applied to sparse, geometrically designed households as well as the looming Roman architecture of the day.

The plot is a suitably seedy box-ticking affair as far as the typical Giallo ingredients go, and although there is little to no "gore" or gratuitous violence, the suspense and attack scenes are handled extremely well. Of particular note is the nervy child-in-peril climax.