Velvet Vampire

Intoxicating seduction, erotic allure, and arcane lore intertwine in the 1971 American horror film, Velvet Vampire. This cinematic masterpiece was directed by Stephanie Rothman, who was a pioneering woman director in the genre of exploitation and science fiction. Played out against an atmospheric backdrop of spine-tingling suspense and haunted desire, the film stars Michael Blodgett, Sherry E. DeBoer, and Celeste Yarnall in vital roles. Velvet Vampire is a bewitching blend of vampire lore, 70s horror, and an evocative love triangle that unfolds in intriguing and at times baffling paths.

Michael Blodgett of the "Beyond the Valley of Dolls" fame portrays Lee Ritter - a laid-back yet enigmatic character who, along with his wife Susan, played by Sherry E. DeBoer, ventures into the realm of the uncanny, and the tantalizing. They encounter Celeste Yarnall’s character, Diane LeFanu, named in homage to Sheridan Le Fanu, the Irish writer who once terrified readers with his gothic vampire tales. Yarnall, recognized from her part in “The Mechanic,” portrays the cryptic, enigmatic vampire with an ethereal charisma that lends her character an irresistible charm.

Set in the remote deserts of California, Velvet Vampire invites its audience into the heart of the bizarre and the unearthly as Lee and Susan accept an invitation to visit the solitary resident of a distant mansion, Diane. The couple innocently embarks on this adventure, taking a detour from their usual metropolitan life, only to find themselves entrapped in the seductive and terrifying world of their hostess. They fail to recognize an instant unease and soon discover they are the chosen ones, selected to fulfill the feline-like vampire's insatiable thirst for human blood. The splendid isolation of the desert provides a stunning contrast to the horror that unfolds within the mansion, adding another layer to the chilling narrative.

The narrative of Velvet Vampire makes a substantial departure from classic vampire lore. It eschews the conventional vampire characteristics – faltering in sunlight, shunning garlic, fearing crucifixes – while retaining the essence of these immortal beings’ profound darkness and sensuality. The titillating mystery surrounding Diane's character is further deepened by an unusual form of vampirism she displays, featuring neither bloody fangs nor affliction by daylight. Diane’s seductive charm kidnaps the sanity of Lee and Susan, molding the story into a complex web of sexuality, power, and fear.

The cinematography of Velvet Vampire is a marvel in itself. From the expansive sun-soaked desert to the interior labyrinths of Diane's mansion, Daniel Lacambre's camera work evokes an unease characteristic of the horror genre. Combined with an eerie soundtrack that vacillates between sensual and terrifying, the visual storytelling of Velvet Vampire is as hypnotic as its narrative.

Stephanie Rothman's boldness in exploring the sexual nature of her characters, in an era when such narrative quirks were not commonplace, deserves all accolades. Her narrative fearlessly probes the boundaries of desire, both human and supernatural. This innovative treatment of sexuality marks Velvet Vampire as one of the earliest feminist vampire films. It remarkably deciphers the power of female sexuality while subtly commenting on the gender dynamics of its time.

Balancing the right amount of chilling horror with surreal erotica, Velvet Vampire is a cult classic that interweaves a traditional vampire premise with Rothman's contemporary twists. It exhibits not only the enchantment of the vampire phenomenon but also provides a unique and profound exploration of human desires, weaknesses, and fears.

Despite being bedecked with elements of seduction and horror, Velvet Vampire does not lose its underlying vein of dark humor. Its characters’ intricate relationships and the unpredictable turns of events often result in episodes that have a comic undertone. The movie, in true Rothman style, exploits its absurdity, adding a bit of dry wit now and then.

Velvet Vampire is a captivating fusion of horror, erotica, and humor. Its unique take on vampire mythology, unforgettable performances, striking visuals, and intricate narrative all come together to make it an unconventional classic. A must-watch for fans of cult horror and vampire lore, Velvet Vampire stands as a unique relic from the golden age of exploitation cinema, exuding a timeless charm drenched in blood and bathed in moonlight.