Review of Black Sunday (1960) by Joel J — 31 Oct 2009

Whoo-ahh!!! Now I know why Tim Burton and Rob Zombie are always raving about this movie. All jokes aside, this might be the most beautifully shot movie I have ever seen...seriously. From the kick a$$, throw back original trailers that came on the special edition to the spell binding light work, this is a perfect film.

Now, as I say that, keep in mind that this a 1950's picture (actually released in 1960, but you get the point) - long before the realism that swept horror in the 70's. With that said, I still can't get over how well done this film was.

To say that the cinematography is excellent is just an understatement. There were over 12 shots in this film that I would love to have a still shot of to hang on the wall...absolutley breathtaking. Is it scary, you ask? Well, it is as scary as movies really could be at this point.

I thought it was pretty brave of Mario Brava to even bring subject matter such as satatnism and witchcraft to the forefront, let alone make it out to be victimized. It is always a pleasure to look at Barbara Steele, though I think we all would agree that she wasn't the greatest actress.

Still, she is effective as hell as the seductive starlett - leading John Richardson into the masoleum of his demonic doom. I'll just stop raving about it...great picture.