There is something of a Filmirage feel to the New Orleans set Macabro. The film, a tale of an average woman and her sexually charged relationship with the decapitated head of her deceased lover, takes director Lamberto Bava and collaborator Pupi Avati into Buio Omega territory.
The Hammer House of Horror style ending feels a little contrived and is, truth to tell, cringeworthy. But all else is certainly worth the time.
The film is a little twisted, as would be expected from the theme of necrophilia, but is probably a little restrained given the potential of the material and it is mind boggling to explore the possibilities that were presented and how they would have played out had the project been under the direction of Joe D'Amato.
New Orleans has a wonderful vibe which translates very well to the screen; Eastwood's TIGHTROPE, and Herzog's BAD LIEUTENANT are two of my favourite New Orlean set films. This isn't a great film, but when compared to the rest of Lamberto Bava's output, it has to be considered one of his best.
ReplyDeleteI agree, also will of course add Fulci who made good use of New Orleans and use the locations and architecture well to emphasise a particular vibe.
ReplyDeleteIMO it might have been overkill with D'Amato at the helm. I thought Bava's subtle approach (minus the ending, I'll agree with you there) worked well as the real horror wasn't necessarily the head in the freezer, though it did seem to be the focus of the film. One of my faves, anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh yes indeed. A D'amato directed version would no doubt be completely bonkers and tasteless. The actual film is perhaps a little restrained compared to anything that cinematic rebel could have dreamed up.
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