Customer Reviews

Danger Diabolik [VHS]

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Once upon a time films were made with low budgets and heaps of imagination, and this is one of them. Though given a whopping $3M by the ego-maniac Dino de Laurentis (King Kong the atrocious remake) the genius Mario Bava brought this 60s beauty in at $400K. Even converted into today's hard currency it would be hard to conceive of a modern day director either struggling out of bed for such a miniscule sum, or ever bringing a film in under budget. Instead Bava treats the eye and the mind to a dazzling psychedelic modernist fantasy.
There seems to be a common notion that many directors of the past were somehow more stupid than the giant intellects of the cinema of today and that they had no comprehension of what they were doing. Bava knew exactly what he was making with this movie version of a popular European comic and that was to make a film that was fun.
Pitted against a world of old stilted politics, bumbling police and chalk-stripe-suited Mafia villains Diabolik, a cool ultra-thief with an underground lair to be envied by Dr No and every other evil genius, outwits his pursuers time and time again with a manic laugh, a delicious girl-friend and his 'n' hers Jaguar E-Types.
This film is a two-hour trip; the score is superb and the images have a vivid organic feel unachievable with today's over-processed CGI FX. If you love the visuals of Barbarella you'll love this. Bava, though, has a more cynical view of the world and in one scene presents us with a nightclub where villains ply the "innocent" hippies with drugs making them dance in hysterically funny ways that is just as an incisive critique of that era as it would be of some rave scenes today. Some things just don't change.
Sure if you want to adopt the brave stance of the post-modernist and assume the sophisticated position of The One Who Laughs At Bad Old Films then you'll get some kind of kick out of this. But you won't get anything like the kick you will by just relaxing into the brilliantly-lit mad world of Mario Bava where nothing is quite what it appears and baddies win - almost.

If you like Burt Bacharach, Ennio Morricone, if you loved Barbarella, Harry Palmer, etc... You can't ignore "Danger : Diabolik". I've been looking for this movie in Europe for 18 months, and finally ordered it form the USA. And this is the most stylish film I've ever seen. Poor scenario (but this is definitely enjoyable) with an amazing atmosphere. E-Type Jaguars, secret underground bases, mind-blowing music : this is how the world should be.

Mario Bava was known predominantly for making classic horror films like Black Sabbath but he also essayed several other genres in his long, illustrious career: sword and sandal epics, science fiction and, with Danger: Diabolik, a comic book heist thriller.

In the first 15 minutes there is more visual imagination at work than most films of its ilk made today. Bava uses close-ups for establishing shots (a la Sergio Leone), unusual perspective shots and snap zooms. The veteran filmmaker elevates the standard premise that was so in vogue in the `60s with impressive sets, cutting edge fashion (for its time), cool cars, hot babes, high-tech gadgets and a hep, swinging `60s Euro-lounge soundtrack mixed with jazzy spy music by Ennio Morricone. Bava understood that film was predominantly a visual medium and he tells the story with a minimal use of dialogue (Diabolik rarely speaks), instead propelling the narrative largely through eye-catching imagery.

Danger: Diabolik seems refreshingly inventive today and has aged surprisingly well despite the `60s fashion and décor. You have to admire a film that has the balls to have an anti-hero as its protagonist who has no problem killing cops that get in his way, stealing from a wealthy elderly couple and living a decadent lifestyle. Bava's film fulfills all of the requirements of its genre-exciting car chases, sword fights and so on-and does so with a style and panache that is missing from today's movies.

There is an audio commentary by actor John Phillip Law and Bava biographer Tim Lucas. Law recounts some of his experiences making the movie (including working with his lovely co-star Marisa Mell) with a great, deep resonating voice reminiscent of Robert Evans. This is a very informative track with Lucas providing the bulk of the factoids and Law the anecdotes.

"Danger: Diabolik: From Fumetti to Film" is a 20 minute featurette that traces the film's origins from its long-running Italian comic book (or Fumetti). Legendary artist Stephen Bissette (Saga of the Swamp Thing) and Beastie Boy Adam Yauch sing the praises of Bava's film. John Phillip Law talks about how he prepared for the role and even does Diabolik's famous laugh. This is an excellent look at the film and Bava's skill as a filmmaker.

Also included is the Beastie Boys' music video for "Body Movin'" which samples heavily from Diabolik only to substitute the close-ups with members of the band playing the certain roles. This is a funny, clever video that is the hallmark of the Beasties. Yauch provides an optional commentary which repeats most of what he said in the featurette.

Finally, there is a teaser and theatrical trailer.

I was introduced to this lovely little slice of sin when it aired as the final triumphant episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." Unlike their usual verbal slamming of previous movies on the program, Mike Nelson and the gang seemed to approach this film with more of an affectionate teasing. Watching the stylish bank note lovemaking scene in Diabolik's swank underground hideout, I turned to my wife and said, "This isn't like the other Mistie spoofs. I would actually like to a version of this WITHOUT Mike Nelson poking fun at it!"

So for my birthday just a few days ago, my wife surprised me with a copy of "Danger: Diabolik!" on DVD. We were amazed at how many stunning scenes were excised from the MST3K version: Valmont gunning the snitch doctor for example, and most especially Diabolik and Eva detonating all those tax and debtor's buildings! That scene presaged the finale of "Fight Club" by thirty-two years! WOW! Tyler Durden IS Diabolik!

Let us not forget the peek-a-boo His and Hers shower scenes! This coy presentation of lethal sexuality puts that horrific Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie vehicle "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" to shame!

Savory DVD bonuses include: The Beastie Boys' video "Body Movin'" - inspired visually by "Diabolik!" There is also a featurette tracking the development of "Diabolik!" from comic book to feature film. It features interviews with comic book illustrator Steve Bisette, Beastie Boy Adam "Ad-Rock" Yauch, and "Diabolik!" star John Phillip Law.

Many people in the U.S. are put off by Diabolik's amorality. This from the country that produces everything from the bone-headed Rambo and the monstrous Terminator to that repulsive vigilante "hero," the Punisher. The latter are presented as righteous figures, wheras director Mario Bava makes no bones as to what Diabolik is, a vain big-time thief and terrorist. His actions are not meant to be emulated, merely to be enjoyed as eye-candy.

As a sidetrack on morality. I find it repulisve that Arnold Schwarzenegger used his Terminator persona as a standard for his supporters to rally around, as though that killing machine was meant to be perceived as a hero! Has anyone heard tell of John Phillip Law using Diabolik in the same manner? Well? I'm waiting...

Marisa Mell is tasty as Eva, and the actors who play Jenko(?), Valmont, and the Minister of Finance deserve a belated round of applause. They all made the shady "Diabolik" a joyful, fantastic romp.

Like a pop-culture version of "Richard III," "Danger: Diabolik!" is the proverbial guilty pleasure. It invites you to revel in vices of theft, wealth, and stylized sex. You KNOW it's not right of course, but you ENJOY it anyway... MWAH-HAH-HAAAAAA!!!

What is with some of these reviewers? Don't they get it? How can you compare this movie to Austin Powers or to Rambo or Ninjas? Who knew what a ninja was in 1966? This is a cool, classic, campy 60's caper movie. Who cares what Diabolik really is? He's cool as hell! That outfit. That Jag. Think of all the other 60's spy-isms that are present...The secret hideaway, the trippy spy-rock (great Ennio Morricone music) the bizarre sets, the psychedelic atmosphere. This movie's influence is all over (i.e. fellow gen x-ers - remember the video game SPY HUNTER?). This flick is right up there with Ipcress File, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger and The Pink Panther as a classic of the brezzy/cool 60's spy/caper genre.

This is an amazing little film. Obviously a spaghetti spy offering,
the film was produced by Dino De Laurentiis. It has Bond rip-off
written all over it, but that's half the fun!

The music is great
(too bad it ain't on CD!), and very 60's. The english dubbing has the
same laughabillity as other spaghetti pictures. Not to mention the
cornball lines ("Don't worry. With this [heat-resistant] suit, I
could swim through the heart of the sun!"). It also has Terry
Thomas (best known for being a comical villain in Disney pictures and
"Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines") as a
supporting cast member.

I think you'll get a kick out of this one
if you like "In Like Flint", "Matt Helm", or
"Austin Powers". Only this isn't a spoof... at least not on
purpose. And the hero is really a bad guy, robbing, and going around
killing innocent people and cops!

The cool is everywhere, from
near-death escapes, Bond-like villain lairs, fancy cars, awesome
stunts, sexy chick/s, neat gadgets, and the hero out-planning
everyone!

The opening sequence involves an interesting
"chase", where a caravan of cash is followed by
Diabolik. The caravan drives by, then his swank sports car moves by in
the background like a predator stalking its prey (I always thought
film students could learn a trick or two from these kind of pictures,
the same way the Hong Kong action style has influenced the newer US
action pictures).

Retro-Bond-like 60's fun! Great for MST3k
parties, or just a guilty pleasure in your collection.

I will keep this short and sweet. Underground lairs, 60's sports cars, beautiful women, exotic locals, hippies smoking pot at an orgy and some groovy music. This movie has it all. Diabolik's underground hideout is 100% pimp with a car elevator, giant revolving bed, swimming hole that leads into the ocean, sexy see-through shower stalls and more! If I had a few million dollars, I would recreate his pad for sure! Buy this movie, it rules!

Reviews from different sources call this movie 'camp' or a James Bond rip-off. It isn't. "Danger: Diabolik" is unique combination of style and action. Who cares if it's ridiculously unreal? The sets (good matte work!), vibrant colors, Ennio Morricone score, and camera work make this film a treat. Director Mario Bava brought this film in under budget but it sure doesn't look it. Perfect for a fun 60s film fest.

An excellent movie for people of all ages. It may sometimes seem like they are laying it on a little bit thick but if we keep in mind that movie is based on a comic book character, it all makes sense. The movie has a strong 60s James Bond feel to it but Diablolik isn't another one of those crime fighting heroes; he's a suave Juaguar driving thief who's next crime is always more spectacular then the last one.

Like most of Mario Bava's work, this movie provides a very cool visual experience and is loads of plain simple fun. I hope they release it on DVD very soon.

The Italian comic book comes to life in this incredibly strange and enjoyable picture. You know all those day-glo, pop-arty 60s misfires like Barbarella? This is what they were going for. It's like a nihilistic episode of the Batman TV show except that it's seriously sexy as well. Needs to be seen to be believed. Stick around for the commentary and extras too. (And this must be Morricone's craziest score.)