18. THE EYES HAVE IT: Elect to observe one with an eye fixed particular scene. See what I did there?
Baba Yaga
As a toddler who was traumatized by eyeball imagery like Pee-wee’s Massive Journey’s Massive Marge, Guinness’ eyeball pop world report, and Jim Carrey’s film make-up stunt on the 2003 Teen Selection Awards, please perceive that I had to take some liberties whereas deciphering right now’s theme. Baba Yaga is a 1973 erotic thriller directed by Italian filmmaker Corrado Farina, and primarily based on Guido Crepax’s saucy Valentina comedian sequence. Whereas there are not any gouged eyeballs or empty eye sockets on this movie, there is a digicam. “That’s the attention,” the movie’s antagonist Baba Yaga says whereas fondling a digicam lens, “the attention that freezes actuality.”
Clomping across the streets of Milan in large silver platform footwear (and one of many worst wigs in movie historical past), style photographer Valentina will get struck by a automobile whereas making an attempt to avoid wasting a pet. Then, a witchy pale-faced blonde—performed by Carroll Baker of Child Doll—steps out of the car. “Our assembly was pre-ordained” she insists whereas swiping Valentina’s garter clip out from underneath her skirt. She presses it between her tooth. “Don’t overlook my identify—my identify is Baba Yaga.” Cue the dramatic cleaning soap opera music.
Baba Yaga invitations Valentina to take pictures at her dusty previous mansion. The mysterious girl sits in a rocking chair whereas carrying an ostrich feather gown and petting her Persian cat. Valentina slinkys across the property, photographing taxidermied birds, jangling jewellery, and different dusty antiques. Then, Valentina turns round to discover a red-haired doll carrying bondage gear. It have to be seen to be believed. “That is Annette.” Baba Yaga says, holding up the two-foot-tall doll wrapped in studded leather-based straps. “She’s going to shield you from any hurt.” For sure, terror ensues as Annette actually and figuratively dommes Valentina’s life and profession.
Between the movie’s use of queer themes, World Warfare II imagery, and civil rights commentary, it’s unclear if the director is making an attempt to critique racism, fascism, and misogyny or perpetuate them. No matter intent, it’s in the end unsuccessful. Nonetheless, this could possibly be as a result of producers reduce out 1 / 4 of the movie whereas Farina was on trip, ensuing within the lack of the unique reduce. At one level, Farina threatened to take his identify off the movie, feeling that it now not represented his imaginative and prescient.
However, let’s be trustworthy, this isn’t the kind of film you look ahead to plot or social commentary. The movie is extremely trendy, with beautiful costumes and opulent midcentury decor. Assume Fassbinder’s The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant however deliciously trashy. The one factor in dangerous style right here is the plot and the dialogue. You’ve been warned!
The Stranger is collaborating in Scarecrow Video’s Psychotronic Problem all month lengthy! Each October, Scarecrow places collectively an inventory of cinematic themes and invitations of us to comply with alongside and watch a horror, sci-fi, or fantasy flick that meets the standards. This 12 months, Stranger staffers are becoming a member of the enjoyable and we’re sharing our each day suggestions right here on Slog! Learn extra about Scarecrow’s 2024 problem—and get the watch listing—right here. And you’ll monitor our each day suggestions right here! 💀