Review of Danger: Diabolik (1968) by Eric B — 29 Mar 2011

A thoroughly entertaining, great-looking film. Before tonight, I considered "Danger: Diabolik" the #1 movie that I had not seen yet, and it did not disappoint me.

"Diabolik" was contemporary with the "Batman" television series, and has a similar comic-book allure of colorful visuals, far-fetched crime schemes and specialized, high-tech devices. There's even a lavish, underground hideout. But "Diabolik" is not as campy as "Batman" -- you'll smile, but you won't snicker. And let's not overlook its secret weapon: a marvelous score by Ennio Morricone, working out of his element and excelling in a more rock-oriented, spy-flick style.

Director Mario Bava's cost-cutting through using matte paintings instead of sets is incredible, and makes me want to research his techniques further. Bava apparently made the film for $400,000 despite an allotted budget of $3 million and, apart from some clunky back projection during car-chase scenes, its production values never seem shoddy. Though obviously a creature of its time, "Diabolik" is still delightful.