The dark holes on the witch’s face is like a nightmare, and her big eyes and dark circles are unforgettable images. I can clearly remember the opening scene when she were forced to put on a mask with sharp spikes inside and when the empty socket slowly refill to reveal the whites of eyes after the doctor left. This film illustrates Mario Bava’s distinct directorial style — his strong ability to control light and shadow, and to build a haunting atmosphere. Bava’s unique style and “consistency of viewpoint” , makes him so different from other European directors. Although Black Sunday is a black and white film, it is second to none in artistic style, and some of its special effects are considered to be quite good to this day. I think it is even better than some color horror movies.
I can strongly feel the bloody Italian-styled gothic romance in Black Sunday. Some of the dialogue attracted my attention, like when Katia says to Andre, “In life? What is my life? Sadness and grave, something destroys it day by day, and no one can rebuild it.” It is terrifying in most of the scenes, but I couldn’t help but laugh at the way Andre is obsessed with Katia, especially when his vision fell upon Katia’s body.
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