After having finally seen this DVD, when I reread the overwhelmingly positive reviews I was almost convinced the authors saw a different film. I very much enjoy old horror films of all kinds and don't rely on the gore or faster pace of Bava's later films, but this is one boring hour and a half. Marienbad (which I love) is more exciting. It's hardly the masterpiece many claim it to be. More cinematic than "The Innocents?" Excuse me while I wretch. Neither the images nor the themes are so intriguing as to earn the superlatives hoisted upon it. I sense Bava fanboy over-enthusiasm for a restored relic and an adolescent fascination with the sado-masochistic sexual content, which as presented here is only slightly amusing, not dramatically effective. Bava is probably my favorite of the Italian horror directors (Blood and Black Lace is the picture above all other giallo that I recommend to the curious) and I respect the knowledgeable devotion of Tim Lucas and others, but this film is severely overrated.
That said, as a casual popcorn rental Whip could be entertaining for some of it's imagery (though hardly Bava's best for composition or color as some are incredulously claiming). And the second of the two whipping scenes is truly comical, near camp. But do yourself a favor and rent it before deciding to buy.
That said, as a casual popcorn rental Whip could be entertaining for some of it's imagery (though hardly Bava's best for composition or color as some are incredulously claiming). And the second of the two whipping scenes is truly comical, near camp. But do yourself a favor and rent it before deciding to buy.