Did Delphine Seyrig ever make a bad film? I don’t think so. A few nights ago, I watched the Harry Kümel film Daughters of Darkness and was struck by not only Seyrig but her co-vampire star Andrea Rau. Someone will be there when they enter a room, offering their necks for a penetrating bite. It is difficult to resist the sensual charms of European Eros cinema from the 1970s, and Daughters of Darkness is a work that is a Devilish delight. François de Roubaix’s slightly electronic score is just as enticing as the film.
An artful exploitation film, this is a work about sexuality working its way through on a subconscious level. A beautiful vampire is a lure for everlasting sex that is never drained of eros. And when there are two of them in a vacant luxury hotel, what more can one dream of in such a perfect setting? There is a coolness in Seyrig’s approach to her role, and she’s perfectly matched with Rau, who is about impulsive urges. Death usually comes after the passion is spent, which is why this film doesn’t fail the viewer. It’s a luxurious ride into sexuality that is forbidden, which is the flip side of satisfaction.
Daughters of Darkness: a Film by Harry Kümel, (1971, Belgium)
I hope vidiots new theater screens movies of this caliber. So far the programming is somewhat meh.