(2004/ITALY)
AKA: KEEPER OF THE BEASTS
REVIEW BY-STEVE GENIER DIRECTOR-LORENZO BIANCHINI CAST-MASSIMILIANO PIVIDORE, ALEX NAZZI, GIORGIO MERLINO, MARA CARPI and MAURO RIJAVEC. SOURCE-CENTRO ESPRESSIONI CINEMATOGRAFICHE/RHV (ITALY) DVD (PAL REGION 0 / 92 MINS / 2006)
After capturing my attention with his 2001 film RADICE QUADRATA DI TRE or THE SQUARE ROOT OF THREE, independent director Lorenzo Biachini has slowly attracted other fans and ones in high places. In my humble opinion, he is Italy’s best keep secret that is about to explode onto the international circuit, especially the horror scene. With one of the latest DVD releases of his film CUSTODES BESTIAE, the attention is building to the point it has attracted one of Euro-Cult’s famous screen writers, Dardano Sacchetti. Like myself is amazed at how a film maker with such talent can not only have little funding and yet produce such quality work as does Bianchini. Not only is the work of quality, it is also some of the most exciting films as well. He is making films that put many of Italy’s top talents to shame, of course there are no mentions there.
CUSTODES BESTIAE, tells the story of a journalist who is summoned to cover a secret story that a local college professor has uncovered. While in the midst of interviewing the seemingly recluse professor, unexpected dangers forces him to flee and soon go missing. Stunned by the events that have unfolded before his eyes, the journalist decides to investigate the mystery that the professor was about to unfold upon him. A mystery that has ties to the church and a priest that had hung himself almost 500 years ago. To solve the puzzle, he must find the secret that priest was trying to cover up.
Once again on a shoe string budget, director Lorenzo Bianchini paints a picture so clear yet so vivid to the imagination. Bringing us a place that seemingly is normal yet there is aspects that one can’t seem to figure out. Stagnantly, Bianchini unfolds a series of events before our eyes that equals a painful disease eating away at your very soul. We have a director who manages to evoke fear and uncertainty through imagery, with little use of blood or gore and giving full satisfaction. Telling a story through not only one plain of existence (the present) but through two (the past). In a linear fashion with suggestive images spiking the flow throughout the film, CUSTODES BESTIAE is not only a very fresh entry, but one that will certainly boost Bianchini’s worth in the coming years.
The set up is paced slow, forcing you to really pay attention to the information which plays a vital part of the story’s plot and eventual ending. The set up for the ending is much different in pace though, fiery of complete onslaught brings the senses together and totally tweaks them to a full tilt. During this period of the film, Bianchini’s direction is reminiscent of some of Lucio Fulci’s work. Of course that is the beauty of Bianchini, not only does he bring a fresh view and style to the plate, he draws upon some of Italian horror’s past with being influenced by such directors as Fulci, Dario Argento or even Mario Bava at times. If you have never heard or seen of creating complete chaos in an orderly fashion, then you must experience Bianchini’s body of work.
I must touch on the quality of CUSTODES BESTIAE once again as it is ever so prevalent in here more so then Bianchini’s other pieces, not to say that it’s not in the others. More so here as he brings to life the early 1500's through it’s use of atmosphere, clothing and scenery. All of which are quite convincing especially for a film with little funds in doing so. This aspect is also reflected in the film’s acting, which is far from poor or amateurish. Again one of the main reasons why Bianchini’s is finally raising some eyebrows, his professionalism is quite steep and will serve him well once he is able to work with big budgets. Something that will hopefully happen in the near future.
This Italian release through RHV is quite extensive especially in the extras department. Firstly, the main feature is presented in a wide-screen aspect of 1.85:1, which I might add is pretty decent. It’s in telling this at first given the raw cinematography at hand, one must remember that this film was shot on a very tiny budget. Audio wise you are given the choice of either Italian 2.o or Friulian 2.o, both of which have English subtitles attached. The audio is very clear and pretty much free of any major flaws. Both the visual and audio factors enhance Bianchini overall vision.
With the extras all of which are supplied with English subtitles which is very handy given the many choices provided here. To begin with there is an interview with screen writer Dardano Sacchetti who many would know from the many classic Italian horror films he wrote such as Fulci’s CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, Argento’s CAT O’NINE TAILS as well as many Italian polizia films. He pretty much praises Bianchini’s work a million times during the interview given you the impression he really like his work. There is also a short film from Bianchini entitled, PUARA DENTRO (1997) which is really quite unique. There is a scene where a shadowy figure that haunts the main character in the short forms from the shadow of her on the ground, really quite eerie and very effective. There are also a few trailers for CUSTODES and his earlier films, THE SQUARE ROOT OF 3 and SPORCO. Oh, must not forget the extensive look at the making of the film through a small featurette.
This is certainly a disc worth grabbing especially if you are fan of Italian horror as Bianchini represents the genre with complete flare. A raising star that still is hard to find as his films are still relatively obscure even in Italy. I would also suggest grabbing his film RADICE QUADRATA DI TRE and watch it first just to give you a better feel for his style as it’s very different.
STORY/FILM-4/5 BITCH SLAPS PICTURE-3/5 BITCH SLAPS AUDIO-3/5 BITCH SLAPS EXTRAS-4/5 BITCH SLAPS OVERALL DVD-3.5/5 BITCH SLAPS
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