One suggested alternative title: "The actors and the overzealous taxidermist."
Initial exposition is a smidgen scattered, gelling only as the characters approach the primary setting, that lovely castle where the imaginative art direction can truly take over. I don't think it's unfair to argue that the storytelling is also a smidgen scattered generally, though, bouncing back and forth a little; in addition, this carries itself with a tone that's less than perfectly serious, and I further believe this to be an instance where the small size of the chief cast, set against the large surroundings, only serves to accentuate the artificiality of the presentation. Young Christopher Lee, seemingly doing his best impression of the theatricality of Vincent Price is a somewhat odd sight, but welcome; young Donald Sutherland, fulfilling a few small roles, carries himself with a mirth rather unbecoming the nature of the tale. All this makes for an odd conglomeration with a story of a certain sinister slant - but still, overall 'The castle of the living dead' is well done and entertaining, if not a major must-see.
The issues with tone and storytelling strength here are not so severe in and of themselves, though between the two this isn't as robustly engaging as it could be; I readily admit I passed out for a bit in the middle of watching. Filmmaker Warren Kiefer penned a deviously dark narrative, however, with flavorful scene writing. Kiefer furthermore illustrates skills of shot composition to make the most of the grand filming location, and sufficient command and grasp of the medium as director to exploit any given moment for meaningful tension and grim tidings (if falling short of the utmost). The cast are committed and mostly give admirable performances, with Gaia Germani quite standing out as Laura; Lee invariably commands an imposing presence; it's as the witch, of all roles, that Sutherland shines the most here. And in all regards the crew turned in fine work, including not just that art direction but also costume design, hair, and makeup. All this is to say nothing of Aldo Tonti's crisp, vivid cinematography that so ably captures every rich detail there is to see.
Suffice to say that 'The castle of the living dead' is no great peak of horror, and it will meet with more favor with some than with others. It remains a good time much more than not, however, and I appreciate the work that everyone put into it. Even if you're a big fan of someone involved I don't believe this is anything one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the opportunity to watch there's much to enjoy in these ninety minutes.
Initial exposition is a smidgen scattered, gelling only as the characters approach the primary setting, that lovely castle where the imaginative art direction can truly take over. I don't think it's unfair to argue that the storytelling is also a smidgen scattered generally, though, bouncing back and forth a little; in addition, this carries itself with a tone that's less than perfectly serious, and I further believe this to be an instance where the small size of the chief cast, set against the large surroundings, only serves to accentuate the artificiality of the presentation. Young Christopher Lee, seemingly doing his best impression of the theatricality of Vincent Price is a somewhat odd sight, but welcome; young Donald Sutherland, fulfilling a few small roles, carries himself with a mirth rather unbecoming the nature of the tale. All this makes for an odd conglomeration with a story of a certain sinister slant - but still, overall 'The castle of the living dead' is well done and entertaining, if not a major must-see.
The issues with tone and storytelling strength here are not so severe in and of themselves, though between the two this isn't as robustly engaging as it could be; I readily admit I passed out for a bit in the middle of watching. Filmmaker Warren Kiefer penned a deviously dark narrative, however, with flavorful scene writing. Kiefer furthermore illustrates skills of shot composition to make the most of the grand filming location, and sufficient command and grasp of the medium as director to exploit any given moment for meaningful tension and grim tidings (if falling short of the utmost). The cast are committed and mostly give admirable performances, with Gaia Germani quite standing out as Laura; Lee invariably commands an imposing presence; it's as the witch, of all roles, that Sutherland shines the most here. And in all regards the crew turned in fine work, including not just that art direction but also costume design, hair, and makeup. All this is to say nothing of Aldo Tonti's crisp, vivid cinematography that so ably captures every rich detail there is to see.
Suffice to say that 'The castle of the living dead' is no great peak of horror, and it will meet with more favor with some than with others. It remains a good time much more than not, however, and I appreciate the work that everyone put into it. Even if you're a big fan of someone involved I don't believe this is anything one needs to go out of their way to see, but if you do have the opportunity to watch there's much to enjoy in these ninety minutes.