The Super Network

THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE (1972)

The only reason I had actually heard about this film is because Quentin Tarantino mentions it quite a lot. He puts it on Top Lists; he named a chapter in Kill Bill after it. Eli Roth also talks about it quite a bit, so between the two of them, the film had been placed on my radar. I avoided any trailers, or even a synopsis, I just wanted to see if this film was worth all the love they had given it, and if it would live up to that amazing title.

I am glad to say that The Blood Spattered Bride really did live up to those expectations. The film isn’t really an exploitation film; it is more of a Spanish horror/art piece. I actually think it works better not knowing what to expect, so forgive me for being vague. The film centre’s on a newly wed couple, whom take up residence at an isolated manor. The bride begins to feel a repulsion towards her husband and his never ending sexual desires towards her. She begins to have nightmares, violent nightmares, involving a knife and another woman. Then one day her husband finds a mysterious woman on the beach, and slowly the nightmares are revealed to be inked in reality.

Sounds strange, and it actually kind of is; it involves a lot of strange events and even fits in some supernatural element. The film works in many different ways, it is beautifully shot and handled, and even the most violent and bloody of scenes have a kind of grace to them. The atmosphere is gothic in nature; it has a lot of style to it. The director Vicente Aranda and cinematographer Fernando Arribas really crafted a stunning and very haunting visual film. There are certain scenes that are so wonderfully shot; they’ll probably be stuck in my mind for a long time.

The film is more than just a visual delight; the cast are all actually quite good. The film was dubbed to English (I don’t believe an original audio exists anymore), however it isn’t so much the dialogue that communicates what is happening, it really is in the actions and reactions of the actors. So much was told through their faces and mannerisms, I have to give them credit for pulling it off the way they did. The film features quite a bit of violence and blood, and it looks extremely realistic. I am not sure how they pulled off the things that they did but it looks amazing, and certainly a cut above the rest.

The film really isn’t a straightforward piece; many events, actions, visuals and scenarios really have a double meaning to them. It could be seen as a sexual awaking piece, or coming to terms with ones sexuality. It has moments of eroticism, but they aren’t simply there to show off the goods, it has a meaning to it, and it was handled quite well.

The Blood Spattered Bride wont be for everyone, it is a slow burn, mystery of a film. It looks amazing, its haunting, its gothic, it has a very European feel to it. The pacing usually hits the mark, and the mystery is revealed in perfect timing, and it will keep you guessing as to what really is happening within the context of the story. An interesting piece and narrative, and I now can really understand and appreciate the love that it gets.

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