José Larraz was an interesting filmmaker. Passing away in 2013 he left behind a filmography that could so easily be ignored as generic semi-exploitation, films that frequently combine sex and horror with mixed results. Dig a little deeper and there is much more going on.
This new box set from Arrow Video presents beautifully restored versions of three of the auteur’s most significant films, but your enjoyment of them will largely depend upon your own tastes as opposed to the actual quality. One thing that isn’t open for debate is their cinematic relevance.
The set begins with Larraz’s debut Whirlpool (1970), which is a decent if somewhat tamer film than much of the director’s later works. Built largely around a young model lured to magazine editor Pia Andersson’s isolated cottage for a photo shoot, Whirlpool concerns itself with themes that Larraz would revisit throughout his career and to much greater effect; sexual obsession and unexplained motives. Interesting more for being his debut rather than in comparison to his later work, it is a worthy inclusion in this collection.
One of Larraz’s best films, Vampyres (1974) is also one of the better lesbian vampire films that became common fare throughout the decade. Stylishly shot in a moody English countryside – at the same location as The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – this is a taut, slow building thriller that explodes into a bloody feast of exploitation in the second half. Strong performances and beautiful camera work elevate Vampyres and it remains one of the most significant films of its type.
The third film is potentially divisive. The weakest in terms of acting and story, The Coming Of Sin (1978) spends much more time focussing on its naked cast rather than establishing their motivations. As a fix of erotica it does what it sets out to do, but the odd narrative built around psychological mystery isn’t fully ‘fleshed’ out and the sensuous visuals overpower any notable plotting.
It is in the extras that this collection really impresses. Several commentaries including Tim Lucas on Whirlpool and Kat Ellinger on Vampyres (who delivers a stunning exploration of everything from the gothic influences to a history of key locations) stand out. Interviews, featurettes and even a short film add to the impressive depth of content and leave you in no doubt of the reverence by which Larraz is held in artistic and cinematic circles.
As a tribute to a largely unknown and underrated filmmaker, this collection delivers a worthy tribute to one who deserves wider recognition. There is an element of ‘film studies’ about it, with the films and the content not likely to appeal to a casual fan, and with a hefty price tag, it will be more than simply an impulse purchase.
BLOOD HUNGER – THE FILMS OF JOSE LARRAZ / CERT: 18 / DIRECTOR: JOSE LARRAZ / SCREENPLAY: VARIOUS / STARRING: KARL LANCBURY, VIVIAN NEVES, MARIANNE MORRIS, LARRY DANN / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
