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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Cameron Mitchell Films
- Horror Films
- Mario Bava Films
- Models
- Murder Mystery
- Serial Killer
Review:
After his breakthrough success with Black Sunday (1960), Mario Bava went on to become a cult favorite of the thriller-horror giallo genre — with this film generally considered the first to feature many of its distinctive elements (shocking horror, a shadowy killer, and grisly deaths). The problem with this and other giallo films — and so many, many horror films to come — is that it viscerally glorifies the murder of sexualized, beautiful women. If one can move past that, there’s certainly much to appreciate here in terms of Bava’s cinematography and overall cinematic style — this is aesthetic eye candy from start to finish. DVD Savant — a huge Bava fan — argues:
“Bava’s powerful images are never simply decorative, never just pretty pictures or art direction… Although there’s a lot to be said for understatement, Bava overturns that applecart by veering in the opposite direction — cruelty and sadism are the commodities on display… The sensually charged images encourage us to anticipate the next gruesome killing, briefly converting us all into sex killers.”
So — consider yourself forewarned. For a quick video overview of giallo films and how this title fits into its history, click here.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Vibrant cinematography and imagery
- Carlo Rustichelli’s score
Must See?
Yes, once, for its visuals and historical relevance as an influential giallo flick. Listed as a Cult Movie in the back of Peary’s book.
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3 thoughts on “Blood and Black Lace (1964)”
A minor cinematic classic in that, together with Bava’s earlier The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1962 AKA The Evil Eye), it created the cinematic Giallo sub genre.
It’a stunning looking film, best seen in the Arrow Films Blu-ray edition.
A fine film, but only must see for students of horror cinema.
First viewing. Skip it.
Amateurish, adolescent and stupid. Its several murders notwithstanding, it’s also deadly dull. In its ‘favor’, it does have two or three “so bad, it’s good” moments – hardly enough for it to qualify as camp.