MovieChat Forums > La maschera del demonio (1961) Discussion > Pretty macabre and creepy, highly recomm...

Pretty macabre and creepy, highly recommended.

posted 9 years ago by Jacob_Dunstan_Autumn
9 replies | jump to latest

I enjoyed this hugely after recently purchasing the DVD. The key to its effectiveness are some of the indelible images present (the horse and carriage surging into the foggy night, the witch's portrait, the clasping hands behind the curtains etc.) Its mis en scene really got to me and the narrative pacing is very good (the picture certainly moves along hastily). The dialogue is at times a bit unsubtle, but overall I found myself completely swirled up in this eerie tale of witchery and vengeance. A cornerstone 60s horror film in my opinion.

"I never feel so much myself as when I'm in a hot bath"
- Sylvia Plath

[–] dennisvest30 9 years ago

I love Steele and I love these old classic horror flicks, like Black Sabbath (which I have on DVD). The atmosphere is so creepy, with the stagecoach traveling through the desolete countryside (the fog is always a nice touch). Too many horror movies today focus on CGI but aren't creepy. Slasher films get old fast but these classics I could watch over & over...

[–] Jacob_Dunstan_Autumn 9 years ago

I agree completely! I was quite awestruck by Barbara Steele and the imagery in this film really heightens a palpable sense of foreboding.

"I never feel so much myself as when I'm in a hot bath"
- Sylvia Plath

[–] spaceman88 9 years ago

I've watched it for the 1st time, last night.

I'm very impressed by the production values, the visual composition and cinematography really make all the corny acting embraceable.

There were quite a few tracking shots that were giving me a visual orgasm. And this was before the invention of the steadicam!

Looking forward to watch more of Bava's work!

[–] TheGuyWithTheFeet 8 years ago

I like it a lot. I get annoyed by Steele grunting "Kruvajan" through the entire movie. Maybe it's because it's a stupid name and she keeps saying it that annoys me.

But, the cinematography is beautiful. The acting is good. The story is gothic and creepy.

Other than Kruvajan, what's not to like?

[–] ElectricWarlock 9 years ago

Yes, it took me a few viewings but I really grew to love this film. It's just like many other Gothic horror movies plotwise, but you can't resist the cinematography, atmosphere, sets, and Barbara Steele so the movie is definitely a must see.

[–] Dan_Garten 8 years ago

Cool.

[–] [email protected] 8 years ago

My Mom took me to see this movie when I was 12. I was so terrified that I slept with a crucifix for a week!

[–] mulholland_empire 8 years ago

Mario Bava is the Godfather of the Gothic horror film, ill even go as far as to say he's the Godfather of HORROR!

[–] PaladinNJ (20310) a year ago

I think I was six when I first watched it with my dad. He was always checking to see if I was scared.