To say that Mario Bava was a filmic 'all-rounder' would be an understatement. Not only was he an accomplished cinematographer and creator of special effects, he also stepped up to the plate to complete unfinished projects for various directors notably Riccardo Freda. One of these, 'I Vampiri' is recognised as the first Italian horror film whilst 'The Day the Sky exploded' which he co-directed is considered to be the first science fiction film of that country.
His first fully-fledged film was 'La Maschera del Demonio', very loosely based upon a tale by Gogol and by all accounts intended to capitalise on the success of Hammer's 'Dracula'.
Although a master of colour cinematography, his decision to film this in monochrome black and white is inspired. His belief that for films of this type 'lighting is 70% of its effectiveness' is fully evident here whilst the extraordinary atmosphere is further enhanced by the superlative production design of Giorgio Giovannini. It is to be regretted that for the homogenised American release the subtle score by Roberto Nicolosi which includes snatches of Wagner, has been dispensed with and replaced by that of Les Baxter who supplied the scores for some of Roger Corman's rather overcooked versions of Poe.
The casting is 'interesting' to say the least. Former Rank starlet Barbara Steele was considered by the director to have the ideal looks for the dual roles of Asa and Katia Vajda and this film certainly enabled her to find her niche! Landing the part of Andraj did much to improve the career of fellow Rank contract player John Richardson, exceedingly handsome but rather bland and invariably 'dubbed', even in English language films!
Acting honours must go to the Italians Ivo Garrani as Prince Vajda and especially to Andrea Checchi, one of his country's most respected character actors, as Dr. Kruvagan.
This is the work of a cinematic craftsman and for devotees of the Gothic horror genre must surely take high rank. Signor Bava showed a refreshing humility regarding his output. He confessed to being a reluctant director because in his opinion 'a director must be a true genius'. He also admitted that when viewing this film years later, he split his sides laughing!
His first fully-fledged film was 'La Maschera del Demonio', very loosely based upon a tale by Gogol and by all accounts intended to capitalise on the success of Hammer's 'Dracula'.
Although a master of colour cinematography, his decision to film this in monochrome black and white is inspired. His belief that for films of this type 'lighting is 70% of its effectiveness' is fully evident here whilst the extraordinary atmosphere is further enhanced by the superlative production design of Giorgio Giovannini. It is to be regretted that for the homogenised American release the subtle score by Roberto Nicolosi which includes snatches of Wagner, has been dispensed with and replaced by that of Les Baxter who supplied the scores for some of Roger Corman's rather overcooked versions of Poe.
The casting is 'interesting' to say the least. Former Rank starlet Barbara Steele was considered by the director to have the ideal looks for the dual roles of Asa and Katia Vajda and this film certainly enabled her to find her niche! Landing the part of Andraj did much to improve the career of fellow Rank contract player John Richardson, exceedingly handsome but rather bland and invariably 'dubbed', even in English language films!
Acting honours must go to the Italians Ivo Garrani as Prince Vajda and especially to Andrea Checchi, one of his country's most respected character actors, as Dr. Kruvagan.
This is the work of a cinematic craftsman and for devotees of the Gothic horror genre must surely take high rank. Signor Bava showed a refreshing humility regarding his output. He confessed to being a reluctant director because in his opinion 'a director must be a true genius'. He also admitted that when viewing this film years later, he split his sides laughing!