"Black Sabbath"*** 1\2 (out of ****)
[Note: This review is in reference to the original Italian language version with English subtitles]
Italian horror maestro Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" (1963) begins with Boris Karloff addressing the audience preparing us for three tales "of terror and the supernatural". However that is not the common link of this anthology movie. Each tale actually deals with revenge.
When mainstream American movie fans think of Italian horror movies (which probably seldom happens) the name that most often comes to mind is Dario Argento. Argento wasn't the only filmmaker working within this genre that garnered respect and cross-over appeal with Americans audiences. There was also Mario Bava.
Bava was instrumental in the development of giallo, directing what most film historians agree was one of the earliest examples of the genre, "The Girl Who Knew Too Much" (1963). By the end of his career he directed more than 30 movies including "Black Sunday" (1960), "Blood and Black Lace" (1964), "Kill, Baby, Kill" (1966) and his final movie, "Shock" (1977). His influence is said to have been seen in the films of Martin Scorsese, who championed Bava's use of colors, Quentin Tarantino and Tim Burton, who said of Bava's work "they are like dreams. They just stay with you." His "Planet of the Vampires" (1965) is believed to have inspired Ridley Scott's "Alien" (1979).
Fans of Bava's work will usually rank "Black Sabbath" high on their list of his best films. I once read, but have not been able to confirm, "Black Sabbath" was Bava's favorite of his own movies.
In the first story of this anthology, "Telephone", we meet the blindingly beautiful Rosy (Michele Mercier). Arriving home one night, she begins to receive phone calls from a disguised voice, telling her she will die. Not only that, but the caller also seems to be spying on her, as he comments on her every action. Eventually we learn the name calling her is named Frank. He has escaped from prison and tells Rosy he is going to get revenge against her for the way she treated him.
Seeking protection, Rosy calls her friend Mary (Lydia Alfonsi) and asks her if she would spend the night. It is more than implied these two had a sexual relationship. Frank may have believed Mary is what came between Rosy and him.
Watching "Telephone" it was difficult for me not to think of the opening sequence in Wes Craven's "Scream" (1996) with Drew Barrymore. She is also home alone and receives phone calls from an unknown person, who makes threats of killing her. "Telephone" must have been a source of inspiration.
Some may argue this is the weakest of the three stories but I feel it is a very good short story that doesn't over stay its welcome. It has a good suspenseful scenario that tries to offer a few twists. Not to mention a good performance given by Michele Mercier.
The next tale of revenge is called "The Wurdalak". It stars Boris Karloff as Gorca. He has went off to fight and kill a wurdalak, a vampire for the rest of us. Leaving behind his two sons; Giorgio (Glauco Onorato) and Pietro (Massimo Righi) as well as Giorgio's wife (Rika Dialina) and son Ivan. If Gorca does not return in five days, his family believes he was not able to stop the wudalak and has turned into one himself.
The situation becomes a bit more complicated when a stranger, Vladimir (Mmark Damon) finds a dead body and a knife stuck in it. Vladimir makes his way to Gorca's home where he explains his discovery. The knife belongs to Gorca but was the body that of the wurdalak? It is hard to say since the head was removed.
For me is the weakest of the three stories but it does build anticipation to whether or not Gorca has been turned into a vampire and is his family at risk. To be honest though, it is predictable.
Karloff is dancing around giving a campy performance but I did find it effective. Throughout the story he had a "mad" expression on his face. It kind of tips you off but it looks like Karloff is having a good time.
Ending this "trilogy of terror" is "A Drop of Water", perhaps the best of the three tales and one that features the most memorable images. It is the most scary, even with its cheap special effects.
Helen Corey (Jacqueline Pierreux) is a personal nurse to an ederly woman that has passed away. She learns the woman died during a seance and has, to put nicely, a ghastly expression on her face. She may have died of fright.
As troubling as that may seem it is not what grabs Helen's attention. Instead she is focused on an expensive ring the woman is wearing and decides to steal it.
This turns out to be a poor life decision. When Helen arrives home she mysteriously hears water dripping and visions of the dead woman throughout her home. It all cumulates to a chilling climax.
"Black Sabbath" does create some great color schemes and knows how to effectively generate atmosphere. The performances across the board are good. If there is a criticism it is that this feels like three separate stories that don't come together as part of a greater whole.
The best of the pack is "A Drop of Water" which should be watched at night, in the darkest room in your home, when you are all alone.
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