Marie (Marie-Pierre Castel), a blonde, and Michelle (Mireille Dargent), a brunette, are two sexy young girls fleeing the cops (in an atypically action-packed opening for filmmaker Jean Rollin). They end up in the scenic but desolate French countryside where they come across an isolated chateau, occupied by an ancient vampire (Michel Delesalle) and his many devoted servants. Fundamental differences develop between our protagonists as the vampire and his flock seek to induct the girls into their fold.
Rollin wrote this himself, in apparently just one night, and it's clear that what he wanted to do was create some pure cinema. The story is thin and only deepens as the film progresses; also, Rollin refrains from use of dialogue for quite a while, until it's necessary for characters to give us some exposition.
"Requiem for a Vampire" exists in an offbeat universe where the girls are dressed in clown costumes at the outset. It provides an alluring combination of sex, depravity, and atmosphere, done in that inimitable stylish and arty Rollin manner. Some viewers are certain to take at least some pleasure from the prevalent nudity and eroticism.
Granted, as striking as many of the visuals may be, they're not always supplemented that well. Sometimes, the music score composed by Pierre Raph is too loud and jarring and just doesn't work. Rollin, as usual, doesn't concern himself with trying to make the horror particularly "scary"; note how phoney the vampire fangs look.
The performances are generally effective. Stunning leads Castel and Dargent have appeal, and engage in some lesbian coupling guaranteed to make audience members happy. Philippe Gaste is amiable as Frederic, a young man whom Castel encounters in the countryside. Delesalle delivers the best performance of the piece as a rather mild-mannered, distinguished vampire who's determined to meet his destiny with some dignity.
Due to its balance of art and exploitation, "Requiem for a Vampire" will likely remain a pivotal film for Euro-horror lovers who admire Rollins' works.
Seven out of 10.
Rollin wrote this himself, in apparently just one night, and it's clear that what he wanted to do was create some pure cinema. The story is thin and only deepens as the film progresses; also, Rollin refrains from use of dialogue for quite a while, until it's necessary for characters to give us some exposition.
"Requiem for a Vampire" exists in an offbeat universe where the girls are dressed in clown costumes at the outset. It provides an alluring combination of sex, depravity, and atmosphere, done in that inimitable stylish and arty Rollin manner. Some viewers are certain to take at least some pleasure from the prevalent nudity and eroticism.
Granted, as striking as many of the visuals may be, they're not always supplemented that well. Sometimes, the music score composed by Pierre Raph is too loud and jarring and just doesn't work. Rollin, as usual, doesn't concern himself with trying to make the horror particularly "scary"; note how phoney the vampire fangs look.
The performances are generally effective. Stunning leads Castel and Dargent have appeal, and engage in some lesbian coupling guaranteed to make audience members happy. Philippe Gaste is amiable as Frederic, a young man whom Castel encounters in the countryside. Delesalle delivers the best performance of the piece as a rather mild-mannered, distinguished vampire who's determined to meet his destiny with some dignity.
Due to its balance of art and exploitation, "Requiem for a Vampire" will likely remain a pivotal film for Euro-horror lovers who admire Rollins' works.
Seven out of 10.