Comments on: Roger Vadim’s Blood and Roses (1960) http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:45:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.1-alpha by: Bev http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-2627 Tue, 19 May 2009 03:10:19 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-2627 I went to see this movie with my mother when I was five years old. It was my first experience seeing a movie and it made quite an impression. I had nightmares for quite awhile afterwards. But I have never forgotten this movie and would love to see it again. I went to see this movie with my mother when I was five years old. It was my first experience seeing a movie and it made quite an impression. I had nightmares for quite awhile afterwards. But I have never forgotten this movie and would love to see it again.

]]> by: Mark http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1769 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:53:33 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1769 I saw Blood and Roses in 1961 when it was first released. It made an emotional impact on me that stayed with me for years. I waited to see it again hoping it would show up on TW but it never did. I finally did get the Paramount videio in the 1990's. The haunting atmosphere and musical score, the sadness and melancholy of Carmilla, the emotionally moving cinematography, and the stunning black/white to color dream sequence overlaid by an undercurrent of erotic horror make this film an unforgettable experience - especially if it was seen when it was first released. No other film like it had been made up to that time. I used to tell friends of mine that it was one the those movies (like Hitchcock's Vertigo) that take your emotions to a deeper place. I'm so glad others have also shared the same experience as I did. I saw Blood and Roses in 1961 when it was first released. It made an emotional impact on me that stayed with me for years. I waited to see it again hoping it would show up on TW but it never did. I finally did get the Paramount videio in the 1990’s.

The haunting atmosphere and musical score, the sadness and melancholy of Carmilla, the emotionally moving cinematography, and the stunning black/white to color dream sequence overlaid by an undercurrent of erotic horror make this film an unforgettable experience - especially if it was seen when it was first released. No other film like it had been made up to that time.

I used to tell friends of mine that it was one the those movies (like Hitchcock’s Vertigo) that take your emotions to a deeper place. I’m so glad others have also shared the same experience as I did.

]]> by: gilligan http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1759 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:42:00 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1759 Very insightful essay. Thank you for taking such care with each review, it does not go unnoticed. I'm looking forward to the release of Vadim's Pretty Maids in a Row; however, I am beginning to wonder if it will ever materialize. I remember seeing it a long time ago and recall it being a bit disturbing... rather, a lot disturbing. You have Rock Hudson portraying a psycho of the worst kind and Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry was the producer - what's not to love? It amazes me that they'll put every lame episode of shows like Knots Landing on DVD, but half of Vadim's collection is still missing! Very insightful essay. Thank you for taking such care with each review, it does not go unnoticed.

I’m looking forward to the release of Vadim’s Pretty Maids in a Row; however, I am beginning to wonder if it will ever materialize. I remember seeing it a long time ago and recall it being a bit disturbing… rather, a lot disturbing. You have Rock Hudson portraying a psycho of the worst kind and Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry was the producer - what’s not to love?

It amazes me that they’ll put every lame episode of shows like Knots Landing on DVD, but half of Vadim’s collection is still missing!

]]> by: Gustav http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1674 Sat, 10 May 2008 00:21:20 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1674 Still, Annette Vadim's character's name in And Die of Pleasure (Blood and Roses)is Carmilla; Millarca is her ancestor, not Mircalla. In fact, in Sheridan le Fanu's original the vampire is called Carmilla (when she visits the lady telling the story), changed from an earlier incarnation Millarca (when she visits Laura) derived from her real name which was Mircalla (the Countess Karnstein). Other than this moot point I think the space you have given this film is wonderful, and I do agree with your article. Of course it should have a DVD release (without the dreadful voice over added by Paramount- and hopefully in French). Sadly though, as the film, like many other Continental pictures of the era destined for export by a major studio outside of Europe, it was shot in English (principal cast only) and later dubbed into Italian and French. I suppose I should not discount the possibility of a DVD release, but I am sceptical. Still, Annette Vadim’s character’s name in And Die of Pleasure (Blood and Roses)is Carmilla; Millarca is her ancestor, not Mircalla. In fact, in Sheridan le Fanu’s original the vampire is called Carmilla (when she visits the lady telling the story), changed from an earlier incarnation Millarca (when she visits Laura) derived from her real name which was Mircalla (the Countess Karnstein). Other than this moot point I think the space you have given this film is wonderful, and I do agree with your article. Of course it should have a DVD release (without the dreadful voice over added by Paramount- and hopefully in French). Sadly though, as the film, like many other Continental pictures of the era destined for export by a major studio outside of Europe, it was shot in English (principal cast only) and later dubbed into Italian and French. I suppose I should not discount the possibility of a DVD release, but I am sceptical.

]]> by: John Pocsik http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1631 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:58:34 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1631 I heartily concur with your assessment! A great review, honoring a true "classic" of surreal (yet "gothic") horror. BLOOD AND ROSES is one three "grail" films for me to find and view again (the other two being Hammer's downbeat sci-fi THESE ARE THE DAMNED and a throughly exploitive feature, FLOODS OF FEAR, starring broad-chested Howard Keel and Cyril Cusack as a truly loathesome killer. I searched for years for a release of Prodromides'haunting music; it's stayed with me ever since that rainy night in 60s Kansas City when I first saw the film. I was just entering a wonderful Age of Film; BLOOD AND ROSES was one of the vanguard. You write of "chilling": that scene when the tomb lid slowly grates OPEN can't be beat. Renoir's work was spectacular. That was the first film I'd ever seen which shifted from color to black and white to black and white/color together. (THE WIZARD OF OZ had not yet been broadcast on TV in color.) Thanks for dredging up the memories; and if anyone knows whether Criterion might give this a consideration, or FSM/Screen Archives might try to locate the soundtrack... I heartily concur with your assessment! A great review,
honoring a true “classic” of surreal (yet “gothic”) horror.

BLOOD AND ROSES is one three “grail” films for me to find
and view again (the other two being Hammer’s downbeat sci-fi THESE ARE THE DAMNED and a throughly exploitive feature, FLOODS OF FEAR, starring broad-chested Howard Keel and Cyril Cusack as a truly loathesome killer.

I searched for years for a release of Prodromides’haunting
music; it’s stayed with me ever since that rainy night in 60s Kansas City when I first saw the film. I was just entering
a wonderful Age of Film; BLOOD AND ROSES was one of the
vanguard. You write of “chilling”: that scene when the
tomb lid slowly grates OPEN can’t be beat.

Renoir’s work was spectacular. That was the first film
I’d ever seen which shifted from color to black and white to black and white/color together. (THE WIZARD OF OZ had not yet been broadcast on TV in color.)

Thanks for dredging up the memories; and if anyone knows
whether Criterion might give this a consideration, or FSM/Screen Archives might try to locate the soundtrack…

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1508 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:53:10 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1508 Gustav - A typo above doesn't mean I'm "confused" about what film I'm writing about. I referenced a few books when I was writing this to confirm the name and came across multiple different spellings. Online I've seen it written as "Mircalla" which is a different spelling from your own. I'll double check on the "tomb" again sometime, but I think it's a minor point frankly. As for a restoration, why on earth not? Many rare films that were thought lost or have never even been released before in the US have found there way onto DVD and many of Vadim's films are available now. Gustav - A typo above doesn’t mean I’m “confused” about what film I’m writing about. I referenced a few books when I was writing this to confirm the name and came across multiple different spellings.

Online I’ve seen it written as “Mircalla” which is a different spelling from your own. I’ll double check on the “tomb” again sometime, but I think it’s a minor point frankly.

As for a restoration, why on earth not? Many rare films that were thought lost or have never even been released before in the US have found there way onto DVD and many of Vadim’s films are available now.

]]> by: Gustav http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1507 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:08:49 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1507 I too have always loved Blood and Roses, and because of this I must point out that Carmilla's vampire ancestor is called Millarca NOT Malenka, are you confused with another vampire flick perhaps? (If in doubt please watch the film once again , the name is even carved on her crypt). The Paramount video admittedly is pretty woeful, bad quality (LP), severe cropping and sans the original English edition credits that play over a pink and blue suffused screen. I doubt a restored version will ever happen. I too have always loved Blood and Roses, and because of this I must point out that Carmilla’s vampire ancestor is called Millarca NOT Malenka, are you confused with another vampire flick perhaps? (If in doubt please watch the film once again , the name is even carved on her crypt). The Paramount video admittedly is pretty woeful, bad quality (LP), severe cropping and sans the original English edition credits that play over a pink and blue suffused screen. I doubt a restored version will ever happen.

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1458 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:12:37 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1458 Thanks for the comments! I'm really glad you enjoyed my look at Blood and Roses. I think if Blood and Roses was released on DVD it would probably spark more interest in Vadim's films, which are generally overlooked. It's a really beautiful movie with some amazing stuff in it. It's a shame that it isn't more accessible. Thanks for the comments! I’m really glad you enjoyed my look at Blood and Roses.

I think if Blood and Roses was released on DVD it would probably spark more interest in Vadim’s films, which are generally overlooked. It’s a really beautiful movie with some amazing stuff in it. It’s a shame that it isn’t more accessible.

]]> by: Tom http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1452 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:03:23 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-1452 Wow. Love your review of Blood and Roses. This one of my favorite movies, and one of the most accomplished vampire films ever made. I find this film elegant and sensual, with one of the best music scores of all time. I can't believe this film is not more widely celebrated. Really surprised it still isn't available on dvd. I first saw it in college on the big screen. It was part of an international film directors series. It was chosen to represent Vadim, and truly is his best film. The fact that film is artsy and stylish, leads me to believe it could still command an audience. Wow. Love your review of Blood and Roses. This one of my favorite movies, and one of the most accomplished vampire films ever made. I find this film elegant and sensual, with one of the best music scores of all time. I can’t believe this film is not more widely celebrated. Really surprised it still isn’t available on dvd. I first saw it in college on the big screen. It was part of an international film directors series. It was chosen to represent Vadim, and truly is his best film. The fact that film is artsy and stylish, leads me to believe it could still command an audience.

]]> by: Will E. http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-939 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:15:29 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-939 What you guys have to do is wait until I decide to shell out $40 for a VHS copy of this on eBay; then, if history is any guide, it will promptly be released in a special edition low-price DVD. That's happened to me with <b>Countess Dracula</b>, <b>The Vampire Lovers</b> and <b>Les yeux sans visage</b>, as well as too many punk rock videos to count. It's uncanny. What you guys have to do is wait until I decide to shell out $40 for a VHS copy of this on eBay; then, if history is any guide, it will promptly be released in a special edition low-price DVD. That’s happened to me with Countess Dracula, The Vampire Lovers and Les yeux sans visage, as well as too many punk rock videos to count. It’s uncanny.

]]> by: Lenny Moore http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-924 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:50:28 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-924 You've written an absolutely wonderful piece on BLOOD AND ROSES---TOO wonderful, in fact. Half way through reading it, I was all set to order myself up a copy, only to conclude with the final paragraph stating that it's not available on DVD. How cruel of you Ms. Cinebeats! Keep up the great writing! You’ve written an absolutely wonderful piece on BLOOD AND ROSES—TOO wonderful, in fact. Half way through reading it, I was all set to order myself up a copy, only to conclude with the final paragraph stating that it’s not available on DVD. How cruel of you Ms. Cinebeats!

Keep up the great writing!

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-916 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:11:31 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-916 AR - Good luck with hunting down a copy of <strong>Blood and Roses</strong>. The video is pretty cheap if you're willing to pay for it, but as mentioned above, the quality is pretty awful. Steve - Thanks! Hopefully it will get a DVD release soon. Neil - I think you'd find the movie really interesting since you enjoy Corman and Bava's films. I hope you get to see it sometime! Robert - Very true. I think the film owes a lot to Cocteau's work in general and I'm sure a lot of his own ideas were a big influence on it. I'm surprised to hear that Kael liked the movie since she seems to often dismiss more experimental films (at least in a lot of reviews I've come across). Peter - Well, due to the season and how many vampire films have been made based on <em>Carmilla</em>, it's not too surprising that we've both found ourselves writing about them. Aranda's <strong>Blood Spattered Bride</strong> is really good and I'd like to see more of his work myself. AR - Good luck with hunting down a copy of Blood and Roses. The video is pretty cheap if you’re willing to pay for it, but as mentioned above, the quality is pretty awful.

Steve - Thanks! Hopefully it will get a DVD release soon.

Neil - I think you’d find the movie really interesting since you enjoy Corman and Bava’s films. I hope you get to see it sometime!

Robert - Very true. I think the film owes a lot to Cocteau’s work in general and I’m sure a lot of his own ideas were a big influence on it. I’m surprised to hear that Kael liked the movie since she seems to often dismiss more experimental films (at least in a lot of reviews I’ve come across).

Peter - Well, due to the season and how many vampire films have been made based on Carmilla, it’s not too surprising that we’ve both found ourselves writing about them. Aranda’s Blood Spattered Bride is really good and I’d like to see more of his work myself.

]]> by: Jonathan Lapper http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-908 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:03:17 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-908 Peter - an actual 35mm reel? How cool! When I was a kid we had 16mm reels of cartoons from the thirties in my parent's attic (which I still think is pretty cool) but a 35 mm of a feature length film. Wow, I'd love to have that. Peter - an actual 35mm reel? How cool! When I was a kid we had 16mm reels of cartoons from the thirties in my parent’s attic (which I still think is pretty cool) but a 35 mm of a feature length film. Wow, I’d love to have that.

]]> by: Peter Nellhaus http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-907 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:37:29 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-907 By some psychic coincidence, I spent part of yesterday watching another film based on "Carmilla", Vicente Aranda's <b>Blood Spattered Bride</b>. Also, when I was at NYU, an acquaintance had a 35mm copy of <b>Blood and Roses</b> he was trying to sell. If I had had a place to store it, I would have taken him up on his offer. By some psychic coincidence, I spent part of yesterday watching another film based on “Carmilla”, Vicente Aranda’s Blood Spattered Bride. Also, when I was at NYU, an acquaintance had a 35mm copy of Blood and Roses he was trying to sell. If I had had a place to store it, I would have taken him up on his offer.

]]> by: robertmonell http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-905 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:06:10 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-905 Another theme the film deals with is the rupture between the "old world" and the "new world", the world in which the films is set. The jet set of 1960. And Vadim captures this very well while implying that something is underneath it all. This was a favorite theme of Cocteau in his poems, novels and films. ORPHEE seems to have been a big influence on this film. Vadim understands women, which is why male critics often don't "get" him, maybe they were jealous. I remember Pauline Kael gave this a very interesting review back in the 1960s which made me want to see it. Also, this was shot in Technirama, I think. Can you imagine how much we may be missing? I can see where Bava may have been influenced by this film also. It seems to be the template for all future female vampire films, especially, as you say, the Hammer ones, and Jess Franco. In fact the mood of this film reminds me of FEMALE VAMPIRE. Another theme the film deals with is the rupture between the “old world” and the “new world”, the world in which the films is set. The jet set of 1960. And Vadim captures this very well while implying that something is underneath it all. This was a favorite theme of Cocteau in his poems, novels and films. ORPHEE seems to have been a big influence on this film. Vadim understands women, which is why male critics often don’t “get” him, maybe they were jealous. I remember Pauline Kael gave this a very interesting review back in the 1960s which made me want to see it.

Also, this was shot in Technirama, I think. Can you imagine how much we may be missing? I can see where Bava may have been influenced by this film also. It seems to be the template for all future female vampire films, especially, as you say, the Hammer ones, and Jess Franco. In fact the mood of this film reminds me of FEMALE VAMPIRE.

]]> by: Neil http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-904 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:36:33 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-904 This is another movie that's eluded me over the years, but certainly not for lack of interest. I've not loved all of Vadim's work, although I have some, but I've always been intrigued and fascinated by it. He's certainly not a director to be dismissed, as you say. Hopefully some time soon someone will release a quality DVD of it, as I'd very much like to check it out. This is another movie that’s eluded me over the years, but certainly not for lack of interest. I’ve not loved all of Vadim’s work, although I have some, but I’ve always been intrigued and fascinated by it. He’s certainly not a director to be dismissed, as you say. Hopefully some time soon someone will release a quality DVD of it, as I’d very much like to check it out.

]]> by: steve Langton http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-903 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:54:54 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-903 Terrific piece on a wonderful film. Been quite a few years since I saw this, and your thoughts have renewed my longing for a DVD release. Terrific piece on a wonderful film. Been quite a few years since I saw this, and your thoughts have renewed my longing for a DVD release.

]]> by: AR http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-902 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:35:36 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-902 I've been planning on eventually hooking my VCR back up and visiting the rental shop to see if they have a few films that Netflix doesn't. I'll just add this to the list. I forgot Vadim directed <b>Barbarella</b>, so now I just want to see this more. I’ve been planning on eventually hooking my VCR back up and visiting the rental shop to see if they have a few films that Netflix doesn’t. I’ll just add this to the list.
I forgot Vadim directed Barbarella, so now I just want to see this more.

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-901 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:01:37 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-901 purloinedcoin - Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm glad you enjoy my blog and it's nice to hear from another fan of Nobuhiko Obayashi's films. He's done some wonderful stuff! As for Vadim, I really think he's a terrific and under-appreciated director. Besides <strong>Blood and Roses</strong>, I would recommend <strong>And God Created Woman</strong> (1956), <strong>The Night Heaven Fell</strong> (1958), <strong>Dangerous Liaisons</strong> (1959), <strong>The Game Is Over</strong> (1966), <strong>Histoires Extraordinaires</strong> (1968), <strong>Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman</strong> (1973) and of course, <strong>Barbarella</strong> (1968). I haven't seen all of his films and there are a few that I really want to see such as <strong>Pretty Maids All in a Row</strong> (1971) and <strong>Game of Seduction</strong> (1976), but I would recommend the films I listed above, which are easily available on DVD. Robert - Thanks for the feedback! I'm sure I have the same video copy as you had and it's really awful. It's amazing how influential the film is and it's really surprising that no DVD has been made available yet. <em>The Encyclopedia of Horror</em> remarks on the Cocteau quality of the film, but in their usual fashion the review is really disparaging and there is no mention of Annette's previous work with Cocteau which seems very odd to me. Jonathan - Many thanks for sharing your great rant here! I think it's worthy of a post in your own blog and I really enjoyed reading it. It's amazing to me how much Vadim has been bad-mouthed over the years. I was appalled by some of the crude obits I came across for Roger and Annette while writing this piece that totally dismissed his films (including <strong>Blood and Roses</strong>) as pure trash without any kind of artistic value. Rant on! AR - I'm glad you've been enjoying some of my recent horror film reviews. Hopefully you can make use of some of my suggestions for Halloween or future viewing. It's a shame that <strong>Blood and Roses</strong> isn't available on DVD yet, and I can't really recommend the video since the quality is so poor, but it's a terrific film. Keith - Thanks! <strong>Blood and Roses</strong> is a really great movie and hopefully it will get a DVD release soon. I look forward to checking out your list of favorite horror films! Jeremy - Thanks a lot and I'm glad you enjoyed this post so much. It's really a shame that so many critics seem to enjoy writing nasty things about Vadim and his films (as well as Annette). His work really deserves more attention and a better appraisal than it has been given. Thanks again! purloinedcoin - Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad you enjoy my blog and it’s nice to hear from another fan of Nobuhiko Obayashi’s films. He’s done some wonderful stuff! As for Vadim, I really think he’s a terrific and under-appreciated director. Besides Blood and Roses, I would recommend And God Created Woman (1956), The Night Heaven Fell (1958), Dangerous Liaisons (1959), The Game Is Over (1966), Histoires Extraordinaires (1968), Don Juan, or If Don Juan Were a Woman (1973) and of course, Barbarella (1968). I haven’t seen all of his films and there are a few that I really want to see such as Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971) and Game of Seduction (1976), but I would recommend the films I listed above, which are easily available on DVD.

Robert - Thanks for the feedback! I’m sure I have the same video copy as you had and it’s really awful. It’s amazing how influential the film is and it’s really surprising that no DVD has been made available yet. The Encyclopedia of Horror remarks on the Cocteau quality of the film, but in their usual fashion the review is really disparaging and there is no mention of Annette’s previous work with Cocteau which seems very odd to me.

Jonathan - Many thanks for sharing your great rant here! I think it’s worthy of a post in your own blog and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s amazing to me how much Vadim has been bad-mouthed over the years. I was appalled by some of the crude obits I came across for Roger and Annette while writing this piece that totally dismissed his films (including Blood and Roses) as pure trash without any kind of artistic value. Rant on!

AR - I’m glad you’ve been enjoying some of my recent horror film reviews. Hopefully you can make use of some of my suggestions for Halloween or future viewing. It’s a shame that Blood and Roses isn’t available on DVD yet, and I can’t really recommend the video since the quality is so poor, but it’s a terrific film.

Keith - Thanks! Blood and Roses is a really great movie and hopefully it will get a DVD release soon. I look forward to checking out your list of favorite horror films!

Jeremy - Thanks a lot and I’m glad you enjoyed this post so much. It’s really a shame that so many critics seem to enjoy writing nasty things about Vadim and his films (as well as Annette). His work really deserves more attention and a better appraisal than it has been given. Thanks again!

]]> by: Jeremy http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-900 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:13:18 +0100 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2007/10/21/roger-vadims-blood-and-roses-1960/#comment-900 This is one of your best posts ever Kimberly. I love this film and wish it would find its way to DVD. You know I share your admiration for Vadim so it is really nice to read such a good critique of one of his key works. This might be my favorite one of his as well...he had a string of truly underrated films in the early and mid sixties that still haven't gotten their due. I really like Annette Vadim as well and it is great to hear such positive words for her as, like Vadim, she is typically overlooked. Lovely photos as well...thanks for posting This is one of your best posts ever Kimberly. I love this film and wish it would find its way to DVD. You know I share your admiration for Vadim so it is really nice to read such a good critique of one of his key works.
This might be my favorite one of his as well…he had a string of truly underrated films in the early and mid sixties that still haven’t gotten their due.
I really like Annette Vadim as well and it is great to hear such positive words for her as, like Vadim, she is typically overlooked.
Lovely photos as well…thanks for posting

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