The Nude Vampire (1970)
This is the 2nd of the movies from director Jean Rollin that I’ve sat down to watch (the other being The Black Rose). While this one is more of a horror movie then the Black Rose was it still has a style to it that makes it very different from anything else that I’ve watched before.
The story follows a young man who realizes that his father is up to something. He sneaks into the father’s home with a group of people. What he witnesses there is both bizarre and terrifying. One of the guests is chosen at random and happily kills herself! This leads to a bigger conspiracy involving some doctors (including the father) who are experimenting on a beautiful mute vampire. They keep this a secret mostly out of fear that other vampires might find out. Well they do and eventually they come for the girl. Only are these vampires?
I'm starting to realize after 2 movies that Rollin has a style all of his own. Much like another director that I’m a fan of, but that others really dislike Dario Argento, Rollin is going to be an acquired taste. Here again we have story that is heavy on the visuals but a bit light on dialogue. I mean whole sections of the story are told without a single word being uttered. For a lesser director this would be an insurmountable task that they would fail at. But for Rollin it works. I was engrossed with the story from the first frame to the last. I had to know what was going on and who the mysterious vampires or not vampires were. When we do find out what is happening I was satisfied and found it interesting. Don’t want to say more and spoil anything.
The Nude Vampire reinforces what I already thought from watching The Black Rose. Rollin has a visual style that is different and knows how to make visuals that are beautiful. In the movie there are twins and Rollin uses them to make some very interesting shots. My favorite has to do with a dual staircase in a dimly light chalet with them carrying candles. It’s a simple shot that really doesn’t have much to do with the story, but it is just really cool. I suppose that is a lame word to use but it is how I felt when watching the movie.
Redemption has done a fantastic job with this Blu-Ray. There is a new HD transfer from a 35 mm negative. While there is some grain and defects in the picture it looks wonderful for a movie that is more then 40 years old. The also include some great special features including an interview with the director Rollin and one of the stars Natalie Perry. There is also a nice booklet that comes with the disc that is an essay from Tim Lucas. It is a great read.
Good movie and an even better Blu-Ray. I highly recommend this one.
3 out of 4
reviewed by John Shatzer
© Copyright 2012 John Shatzer
