"Blood Countess" is a sexpolitation movie that can be viewed as a part of the recent trend, trying to resurrect the legend of Elisabeth Bathory. This Hungarian aristocrat from XVII century, infamous for her sex crimes, was in fact one of the first well-known serial killers in history. Together with Vlad Tepes, she became the prototype of the vampire figure. In the classic Hammer flick she was even called "Countess Dracula".
"Woman of Dark Desires" was always an inspiration for artists, especially those dealing with the darkest areas of the human soul. There were already some great movies in the past ("Immoral Tales" by Walerian Borowczyk, "Daughters of Darkness" by Harry Kümel). In the recent years though the Bathory admirers group has increased significantly. Elisabeth basically became the cult icon of Gothic subculture. What caused it? Maybe Cradle Of Filth with their 1998 concept album, "Cruelty And The Beast"? Or XIII. Stoleti with "Elizabeth" anthem (from "Straceni v Karpatech" LP)?
To this day, both these musical achievements were much more impressive and influential than any of the cinematic efforts that followed them. The new-found Bathory genre still waits for a masterpiece, but develops rather nicely. So far we've had some interesting ideas. Like sexy and manipulative, almost Catherine Tramell-like Elisabeth in "Eternal" (2004). Or computer age Elisabeth, killing her victims via Internet in "Stay Alive" (2006). Or modern Elisabeth using some Russian slaughterhouse for her blood baths ("Hostel: Part II", 2007). And last but not least, Elisabeth's own diary, that falls in the hands of two lesbians, who dream of becoming true vampires ("Night Fangs", 2005)... Czech Republic alongside with Slovakia has given us the latest and much more serious examination of Countess' persona. "Bathory" (2008) has met with mixed reviews, but it was without doubt an expensive, ambitious work.
But what about other recent movie from Czech Republic, dealing with the subject? First of all, they shouldn't be confused, as they often are. "Blood Countess", directed by Lloyd A. Simandl is nothing but softcore fare, filled with mildly sadistic sleaze. Set in XVII century, it presents one typical day from Elisabeth's life. Bathing in virgin's blood, torturing some maids, writing a dairy (shades of "Night Fangs", perhaps?)... The whole show is devoid of any artistic merit, but does it work as a sex film or as a shock film? Not really. "Blood Countess" is too boring to be shocking, and too ugly to titillate. Andrea Nemcova in the leading role is unattractive and a bit long in the tooth to be Elisabeth, supposedly widely known for her beauty. All the murder scenes are unimpressive, to say at least. They drag for several minutes, to the point of total boredom. Even female victims are more bored than terrified.
Such a waste, really... Basic, mean-spirited erotic shocker dealing with Bathory should have worked perfectly, but "Blood Countess" is utter failure, not even worth the price of renting. Better forget about this one, there's lots of better Bathory flicks, even amongst the latest ones.
