Review of Black Sunday (1960) by Tico P — 04 Jul 2010

Hmmmmmmmmm.

I can take this film for what it is:

Low-budget, 1960's, Italian-made horror movie.

The acting is horribly, hammishly overstated and this is only made worse by the fact that it's poorly dubbed.

But that's where the film's shortcomings end.

I put this film among the top 20 greatest films I've ever seen for mood and atmosphere. The sets were absolutely stunning...Lavish, expansive and looking NOTHING like sets...... and the lighting and camera angles were some of the most innovative and effective I've ever seen in any movie (even to this day).

Black Sunday still has one of the most effective opening scenes of a B/W horror film I've ever seen.

Again, when you consider the budget and era of this film... you will be amazed at the quality and realism of the effects.

But then, none of this should be a surprise to fans of Director Mario Bava, who has made a career out of film making as realistic and memorable as possible with limited means.

Again... take it for what it is! Go in expecting a 60's, B/W, Foreign Horror film.... and you WILL be wonderfully surprised!

Great for a Sunday afternoon (Black or otherwise).