Rojo Sangre (2004) is a magnificently morbid film as such, and a wonderful tribute to its star, one of the true icons of European Horror/ Exploitation cinema, the glorious Paul Naschy (aka. Jacinto Molina). Personally, I've been a fan of the Spanish Horror deity for years now, and I really don't know what made me wait so long to watch this, more recent Naschy-film. "Rojo Sangre" was written by Naschy himself and directed by Naschy's son Christian Molina, which makes it obvious why this film is such a great tribute to Naschy's career, and, at the same time, such a great film of its own right.
Like hardly another film, "Rojo Sangre" allows an aged Naschy to show what a great actor he actually is. Naschy plays Pablo Thevenet, a fallen, formerly successful stage- and screen-actor whose career was destroyed after a personal tragedy, and who now has to struggle through life and apply for jobs in advertising, which he finds humiliating. He then gets an offer he cannot refuse: a bunch of very sinister people are to pay him a large sum of money for impersonating serial killers such as Giles de Rais and Jack the Ripper in front of an exclusive nightclub. Though he hates the idea of being a living statue, Thevenet accepts. His new job, however, also raises murderous desires in Thevenet, particularly against those he makes responsible for his downfall, but also those who deny him the respect he deserves...
The role of Pablo Thevenet is perfect for Paul Naschy. The character is (partly) a loving tribute to Naschy's roles from the past, and, at the same time, an incredibly interesting character as such. There is no doubt that this role (and film) was written specifically for Naschy and there is no greater tribute imaginable. Actually, this is probably the best performance by Naschy I've seen, and the proof that he isn't only a cult-icon and Exploitation-multi-talent, but actually a great actor beyond that. As in many of his old roles, Naschy plays a character that is likable, even though demented, and, this film's elaborate script and higher production values allow him to make it a very deep, intriguing character. The film's delightfully morbid storyline is wonderfully photographed in nice Gothic settings, the characters are entirely demented. Bloody, demented, witty, and absolutely wonderful, "Rojo Sangre" is a film that every lover of European Horror and Exploitation cinema should enjoy, and an absolute must-see for my fellow Paul Naschy fans. Not to be missed!
Like hardly another film, "Rojo Sangre" allows an aged Naschy to show what a great actor he actually is. Naschy plays Pablo Thevenet, a fallen, formerly successful stage- and screen-actor whose career was destroyed after a personal tragedy, and who now has to struggle through life and apply for jobs in advertising, which he finds humiliating. He then gets an offer he cannot refuse: a bunch of very sinister people are to pay him a large sum of money for impersonating serial killers such as Giles de Rais and Jack the Ripper in front of an exclusive nightclub. Though he hates the idea of being a living statue, Thevenet accepts. His new job, however, also raises murderous desires in Thevenet, particularly against those he makes responsible for his downfall, but also those who deny him the respect he deserves...
The role of Pablo Thevenet is perfect for Paul Naschy. The character is (partly) a loving tribute to Naschy's roles from the past, and, at the same time, an incredibly interesting character as such. There is no doubt that this role (and film) was written specifically for Naschy and there is no greater tribute imaginable. Actually, this is probably the best performance by Naschy I've seen, and the proof that he isn't only a cult-icon and Exploitation-multi-talent, but actually a great actor beyond that. As in many of his old roles, Naschy plays a character that is likable, even though demented, and, this film's elaborate script and higher production values allow him to make it a very deep, intriguing character. The film's delightfully morbid storyline is wonderfully photographed in nice Gothic settings, the characters are entirely demented. Bloody, demented, witty, and absolutely wonderful, "Rojo Sangre" is a film that every lover of European Horror and Exploitation cinema should enjoy, and an absolute must-see for my fellow Paul Naschy fans. Not to be missed!