Sometimes it's not until after you've started watching a movie that you realize just what it is that you've committed to. I'll say this for filmmaker Joseph W. Sarno, he doesn't make any bones about what type of picture this is; from the opening scene we're treated to gleeful nudity, and this will prove to be the primary constant through 'The devil's plaything' (also known as 'Vampire ecstasy'). Plot is a concern no more than secondary to eroticism; where that plot is given treatment the storytelling is very direct, but it is pushed to the corners to instead chiefly spotlight horror happenings of various strength, slight atmosphere, and above all female nudity, and sensuality of a primarily sapphic variety. It's more than a little cheesy, dubious, and exploitative, is sometimes downright laughable in its self-seriousness, and is at least as likely if not more so to raise a quizzical eyebrow rather than inspire the intended heat. Despite all that, though, it's also arguably more successful as a horror flick than too many of its kin. No matter how you want to look at it this isn't a great film, but all told, it's not bad!
The tale weaves in classic horror notions of vampiric manipulation, seduction, and glamour; vengeance from beyond the grave, black magic, and dark rituals. The feature also toys inconsistently with the tried and true storytelling tropes of a vampire's vulnerabilities, which in my opinion only grow more tiresome and questionable over time, but so it goes. It's just that these horror notions are explicitly and unabashedly turned toward sexual energy, and commonly realized in that manner. Some moments are more successful than others in fostering delightfully sinister vibes; some moments are more earnestly tantalizing than others with the foremost bent of passion. Strictly speaking some instances of acting are more sincere than others, though Sarno's direction is just as likely to be responsible in that regard, and in the very least no one could ever accuse the cast of not being committed and applying themselves. All the while, the filming locations are outstanding, the art direction is splendid, and the costume design, hair, and makeup are lovely (if sometimes kitschy). Even as some bits are especially weak, in general terms of orchestrating shots and scenes Sarno is certainly no slouch, and I appreciate Steve Silverman's cinematography. Repetitive as the ritualistic music is, I can't say Rolf-Hans Müller's composition isn't enchanting, and other themes that are employed sparingly and lightly are nice. Say what one will about the storytelling slant, this is actually quite well made.
What it quite comes down to is that while Sarno tried to make a seedy, sleazy softcore variation on a vampire flick, he managed to also make one that's more capable and interesting than plenty of other straightforward horror titles. There are no few points of deserved criticism, yes; the plot gets very wishy-washy at times, not least in the last stretch, and the ending makes sense only if one operates on the constant assumption that "good guys" always have to win, no matter what it takes to arrive at that resolution. But more than not I think meaningful discussion is warranted more than abject negativity. It's not as good as it could have been, but it's better than it has any reasonable right to be; I genuinely enjoyed watching, which is the last thing I expected to be saying right now. By no means will this appeal to everyone, and I can't begrudge those who view it more disparagingly. Flaws and all, however, 'The devil's plaything' is a modestly commendable take on the vampire flick, and I would gladly offer it as a gentle recommendation for those who are receptive to the approach it adopts. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you do have the opportunity to watch and are open to fare that honestly blends eroticism and horror, this is a good time overall!
The tale weaves in classic horror notions of vampiric manipulation, seduction, and glamour; vengeance from beyond the grave, black magic, and dark rituals. The feature also toys inconsistently with the tried and true storytelling tropes of a vampire's vulnerabilities, which in my opinion only grow more tiresome and questionable over time, but so it goes. It's just that these horror notions are explicitly and unabashedly turned toward sexual energy, and commonly realized in that manner. Some moments are more successful than others in fostering delightfully sinister vibes; some moments are more earnestly tantalizing than others with the foremost bent of passion. Strictly speaking some instances of acting are more sincere than others, though Sarno's direction is just as likely to be responsible in that regard, and in the very least no one could ever accuse the cast of not being committed and applying themselves. All the while, the filming locations are outstanding, the art direction is splendid, and the costume design, hair, and makeup are lovely (if sometimes kitschy). Even as some bits are especially weak, in general terms of orchestrating shots and scenes Sarno is certainly no slouch, and I appreciate Steve Silverman's cinematography. Repetitive as the ritualistic music is, I can't say Rolf-Hans Müller's composition isn't enchanting, and other themes that are employed sparingly and lightly are nice. Say what one will about the storytelling slant, this is actually quite well made.
What it quite comes down to is that while Sarno tried to make a seedy, sleazy softcore variation on a vampire flick, he managed to also make one that's more capable and interesting than plenty of other straightforward horror titles. There are no few points of deserved criticism, yes; the plot gets very wishy-washy at times, not least in the last stretch, and the ending makes sense only if one operates on the constant assumption that "good guys" always have to win, no matter what it takes to arrive at that resolution. But more than not I think meaningful discussion is warranted more than abject negativity. It's not as good as it could have been, but it's better than it has any reasonable right to be; I genuinely enjoyed watching, which is the last thing I expected to be saying right now. By no means will this appeal to everyone, and I can't begrudge those who view it more disparagingly. Flaws and all, however, 'The devil's plaything' is a modestly commendable take on the vampire flick, and I would gladly offer it as a gentle recommendation for those who are receptive to the approach it adopts. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you do have the opportunity to watch and are open to fare that honestly blends eroticism and horror, this is a good time overall!