Any Mario Bava fans around?

[darkstar]

I just watched "The Girl Who Knew Too Much" for the 4th or 5th time. It's usually not counted among one of his top works, but I find it nearly perfectly formed little B&W movie--perfect balance of suspense and humor, great pacing, wonderful sequences, carefully framed noirish shots, etc. Made in 12 days, and, IMO, is as good as Hitchcok from the same period (1962 ?).

I don't believe this is the case in this movie because he took over directoral duties mid way , but in many of his subsequent films, he did the set design, lighting, and was the cinematographer, the true DP. Perhaps one of the best "craftsmen" in the history of movies, even if he is usually considered a "genre" director.

Anyhow, thought I'd throw this out on my 3-day "mental health weekend"--no work-related ANYTHING for 3 days--and see if there were any other Bava fans on the board.

Ciao!

:toast:

[chascarrillo]

1. Be sure to catch IFC tonight

Here's the schedule:

9:35 PM - Mario Bava: Maestro Of The Macabre (2000)
10:35 PM - Bay Of Blood (1971)
12:05 AM - Black Sunday (1960)

Unfortuantely, I haven't watched much Bava, but what I've seen I've generally liked.

[darkstar]

2. Thanks fer the heads up !

I don't have IFC, but I have a friend I may get to tape the documentary which I've never seen.

Have you seen Black Sunday? Bavas first official directoral debut (and yes I goofed in first post; Bava took over midway in I Vampiri (58, 59?) , not The Girl Who Knew Too Much.)

At any rate, if you haven't, I would highly recommend that one. A classic gothic.

In your post, you mention you've seen a few of MD's movies. Which ones were they?

Thanks for the response,

DS

[chascarrillo]

3. Not much, unfortunately

I've seen Bay of Blood and Five Dolls for an August Moon. I know a lot of people don't like the latter, but I thought it was great. I'm defitely eager to get the chance to see Black Sunday.

The schedule repeats a couple hours afterwards (they're also showing Argento's Suspiria in between).