Planet of the Vampires (1965) is a film that Bava uses his talents as a film-maker to create a movie by literally using "smoke and mirrors". Utilizing the most out of a shoestring budget, Bava creates a spooky and haunting planet by using colored smoke, matte paintings, toy models, lighting and mirrors. If he had a decent script and better actors he could have created a classic. But an artist is only as good as his materials. What you see is what you get in this picture. Bava is a genius but he's not god. Recommended, so you can see the Maestro at work! Maybe the acting is better in the Italian track, who knows?
A+: For Bava's technical work and direction.
C-: For the writing and acting.
A+: For Bava's technical work and direction.
C-: For the writing and acting.