#François de Lannurien

[byneddiedingo]

Carroll Baker and Isabella De Funès in Baba Yaga (Corrado Farina, 1973)

Cast: Carroll Baker, Isabella De Funès, George Eastman, Ely Galleani, Daniela Balzaretti, Mario Mattia Giorgetti, Sergio Masieri, Angela Covello, Cesarina Amendola. Screenplay: Corrado Farina, Giulio Berruti, François de Lannurien, based on the graphic novels of Guido Crepax. Cinematography: Alace Parolin. Art direction: Giulia Mafai. Film editing: Giulio Berruti. Music: Piero Umiliani. 

If this silly attempt at an erotic horror thriller hadn't been botched in pre-production by changes in producer, production company, and cast, and if it hadn't been heavily cut in post-production without director Corrado Farina's involvement or even knowledge, it might have been more coherent and involving. But even that's doubtful. It was only Farina's second feature film as director, and he never made another. Moreover, it's based on a tiresome and offensive trope: the predatory lesbian. The title character, played by Carroll Baker,  has no resemblance to the hag of Slavic legend. She's a mysterious recluse living in a decaying mansion in Milan. One night, she runs into -- literally, in her car -- the fashion photographer Valentina (Isabella De Funès), whom she begins to cast a spell over, partly by hexing Valentina's Hasselblad. Weird stuff involving a doll in S&M garb that comes to life ensues, and Valentina has to be rescued from Baba Yaga's clutches by her boyfriend (George Eastman). People familiar with Guido Crepax's adult comics may appreciate the film more than those who aren't. I'm not, and I found it more tedious than titillating.   

[sesiondemadrugada]

Baba Yaga (Corrado Farina, 1973).