Blood Delirium is an almost completely unknown Italian horror film and, apparently, is partially lost as certain scenes from the 'uncut' version of the movie have never been seen as the uncut version remains unreleased anywhere in the world. The film is directed by Sergio Bergonzelli; the oddball director best known for his bizarre and often-disliked Giallo 'In the Folds of Flesh', and anyone who saw that film is likely to have an idea of what to expect as this director apparently doesn't do ordinary! The storyline is something of a crossover between the Giallo and horror genres and focuses on a painter. Charles Saint Simone has lived with his butler in his castle ever since the death of his wife. He's lost all inspiration for his painting; but that changes suddenly one day when he meets a young woman who is the spitting image of his deceased lover. His inspiration returns...but it isn't until he discovers the colour of blood that his love for painting goes into overdrive.
The film stars John Philip Law; the star better known for his leading role in Mario Bava's Danger: Diabolik. He puts in a solid performance in the lead role, although he is eclipsed somewhat by Gordon Mitchell who co-stars as the butler. The two have a good chemistry together and their perverse characters work well. The 'clever' part of the film comes from the fact that the story is intertwined with Vincent Van Gogh's life. While this is a good and interesting little horror film; I do have to admit that I am just a little bit bemused by the overall positive reaction it gets from the people that have seen it. It's clear that Bergonzelli did not have the biggest budget to work with, but the film is not as great as it could have been given the ideas and the storyline. There are a few memorably shocking scenes; although I do wonder just what was cut out. Overall, I am glad I saw this film and it is well worth tracking down if you can find a copy; but I'm not as wild about it as the others that have seen it.
