I watched BLOOD MANIA as part of BCI Eclipse' Drive-in Cult Classics (featuring Crown International Pictures releases) on DVD. As I work my way through the multiple DVD sets, I am growing to love many of Crown International's movies -- especially, the creepy, erotic, psychological thrillers!
There is something about BLOOD MANIA it is a soap opera. Moreover, when you view it through that lens, you can really appreciate the slow pace, the subdued performances, and, the hints at sex and violence that are never fully realized on screen – not by today's standards.
This is well filmed; and, very colorful. The setting is extraordinary. It is eerie, claustrophobic and a bit skewed in many of the manor house scenes, which underscores the fact that these characters are prisoners of their own flawed personalities. The jarring, discordant music lends a certain quality to the film that heightens the suspense and anticipation.
Especially, of note (***spoiler alert***) at about an hour and five minutes into the movie, when the AWFUL TRUTH of the father and younger daughter's relationship is revealed. The reveal is only a few seconds long; and, is amplified by the music and quick cutting.
No wonder he left her all the money!
This scene is actually an echo of the opening sequence, which I am sure does not register until you view this movie a second time. When we first meet the father/doctor, we think it is only a dream.
What a fantastic twist! Everyone focuses on the older daughter; and, her scheming and the abortionist doctor/boyfriend, the blackmailer, Cheryl (the doctor's girlfriend – what happened to her); and, the nurse.
However, those are all back-story, by comparison to the "hold" daddy had on his two girls!
That is the real reason for the murder – jealousy. The feelings of which, are intensified when Victoria, the older sister, learns the doctor refused the generosity of Gail, the younger sister, after seducing her. However, he had previously schemed to get Victoria's money, after submitting to her advances!
Victoria just wants to be loved
Yes, this is a sordid melodrama. I like BLOOD MANIA.
There is something about BLOOD MANIA it is a soap opera. Moreover, when you view it through that lens, you can really appreciate the slow pace, the subdued performances, and, the hints at sex and violence that are never fully realized on screen – not by today's standards.
This is well filmed; and, very colorful. The setting is extraordinary. It is eerie, claustrophobic and a bit skewed in many of the manor house scenes, which underscores the fact that these characters are prisoners of their own flawed personalities. The jarring, discordant music lends a certain quality to the film that heightens the suspense and anticipation.
Especially, of note (***spoiler alert***) at about an hour and five minutes into the movie, when the AWFUL TRUTH of the father and younger daughter's relationship is revealed. The reveal is only a few seconds long; and, is amplified by the music and quick cutting.
No wonder he left her all the money!
This scene is actually an echo of the opening sequence, which I am sure does not register until you view this movie a second time. When we first meet the father/doctor, we think it is only a dream.
What a fantastic twist! Everyone focuses on the older daughter; and, her scheming and the abortionist doctor/boyfriend, the blackmailer, Cheryl (the doctor's girlfriend – what happened to her); and, the nurse.
However, those are all back-story, by comparison to the "hold" daddy had on his two girls!
That is the real reason for the murder – jealousy. The feelings of which, are intensified when Victoria, the older sister, learns the doctor refused the generosity of Gail, the younger sister, after seducing her. However, he had previously schemed to get Victoria's money, after submitting to her advances!
Victoria just wants to be loved
Yes, this is a sordid melodrama. I like BLOOD MANIA.