(1974/UK/NETHERLANDS/BELIGUM/US)
REVIEW BY-STEVE GENIER DIRECTED BY-ALEXANDER WHITELAW CAST-HIRAM KELLER, TINA AUMONT, KLAUS KINSKI, ADRIAN BRINE, RUDI FALKENHAGEN, RUDOLF LUCIEER, SACCO VAN DER MADE and ONNO MOLENKAMP. SOURCE-MONDO MACABRO DVD (NTSC DVD / REGION ALL / 85MIN / 2006)
This was always one those classic titles sitting in my collections trapped inside a beat up black box known as a VHS tape. Those wise folks at Mondo Macabro once again manage to through a curve ball and deliver a spot on transfer to the digital realm. Though people will often and most likely refer this to another Klaus Kinski outing, there is much more to this then his evil tactics. Mind you, those evil tactics are the driving force behind LIFESPAN’S very subtle storyline. Kinski’s role as the evil Nicholas Ulrich, a rich Swiss pharmaceutical company owner seeking the right formula for extend human life. Of course, the role is minimal it is none the less vital to the overall film.
For most of the film sitting back in the dark corners, pulling the strings like a puppeteer, indirectly guiding the snooping young American scientist Dr. Ben Land played by Hiram Keller, into his selfish bidding. After the tragic suicide of Dr. Land’s colleague, Dr.Linden who’s work revealed strange yet promising leads on the mysteries of human life. Determined to figure out just Dr.Linden’s secret, Dr.Land picks up the pieces in hopes to find the clues. Of course thus leading him towards Dr.Linden’s young lover Anna played by the most sensual, Tina Aumont. Using her to get closer to the truth and to the ever waiting evil claws of Nicholas Ulrich.
LIFESPAN is certainly not for everyone’s taste, it’s quite inquired to really enjoy it’s atmosphere and direction. A direction in which subjects as to much of the story being carried on the back of the narration of Dr.Land. Giving us both the events at hand and his inner thoughts as they play out or have already gone by. The pace of the story itself is slow, yet very enticing for it’s artful approach. Though one would tend to peg this as a film as science fiction in nature, LIFESPAN is pretty much a stand alone drama with some and a mean some exploitative natures. Those many being the likes of American actress Tina Aumont (SALON KITTY, TORSO). One can’t help but look at her and see that she is going to play your run of the mill lead actress.
Looking into her eyes and knowing her cinematic background, you know she was casted to bring an offset to the balance. Her sexual appeal and her often innocent by deadly facial expressions are the perfect fit for her role of Anna. Though director Alexander Whitelaw really doesn’t use her to her full extend, only giving fans a slight dose with scenes of her in bondage, bound in rope. Again she is just another string in which the evil presence generated quite often by Kinski, is pulling. So, not only is Dr.Land using her to get answers, but Anna is doing the same and if I was a betting man, of course already knowing the out come, I would bet the ladder coming out the winner.
With the much of the story taking place in Amsterdam, you know you are going to be treated to a very atmospheric tale from the scenery alone. Though, don’t go into this expecting any extreme action or car chases through these narrow streets and canals. Instead take in the beauty projected as it only another foreshadowing effect of what’s to come. The beautiful youthful aura that Amsterdam emulates is hidden meaning to the missing link, that being the secrets of everlasting life. What more could you want, a beautiful city, Tina Aumont and the classic tyrant antics of Klaus Kinski.
I could say this every time a sit down and watch the latest from Mondo Macabro, but it’s true, Pete Tombs and company simply have the right formula for the fans. Films that one would never think would get the digital treatment, at least not in hurry. Not to knock the selection, as these films are classic genre offerings in not only my books but countless others. Mondo is simply feeding the fuel with the right mixtures. LIFESPAN, one of their latest offerings is yet just another mark in the right direction. It’s a film I’ve always enjoyed but was afraid to pull out that ratty old VHS copy in fears that the tape itself would either get caught in the player or just simply snap. Now, there is no worries as this Kinski outing is now in right company, the digital realm. Further, it’s in prime shape as well with a beautiful print displayed in an anamorphic widescreen transfer. Like many of their titles, they have gone to great lengths in propping up it’s appearance to it’s full potential.
The same can be said for the audio as well, though only presented in a 2.0 digital offering, the audio is crystal clear. With the audio, you can also listen to the commentary by LIFESPAN’S director Alexander Whitelaw. Though, I’m not much for commentaries, I do sitdown once in awhile and listen to them. Especially those which involve directors, actors etc that I have little knowledge about. So, it was interesting listening to Whitelaw blurb about the making of the film, the steps and direction in which it went through. What it was like to work with it’s cast (Kinski, Aumont and Keller). The same is pretty much unveiled during the interview with Sandy which is also offered in the disc’s special features. There is also the usual film background written by Pete Tombs which is always very important and quite valuable to those just seeing a film like this for the first time. Rounding out the rest of the disc, there’s the usual trailer and promos for upcoming or current releases from Mondo Macabro.
STORY/FILM-3/BITCH SLAPS PICTURE-3.5/5 BITCH SLAPS AUDIO-3.5/5 BITCH SLAPS EXTRAS-3/5 BITCH SLAPS OVERALL DVD-3/5 BITCH SLAPS You can purchase this from X-Ploited Cinema
May 30 2006
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