Mario Bava, often hailed as the master of Italian horror, followed his groundbreaking debut Black Sunday (1960) with Black Sabbath (1963), a horror anthology that would cement his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. While Black Sunday introduced audiences to Bava’s unique blend of gothic horror and atmospheric storytelling, Black Sabbath showcased his versatility and innovative approach to the horror genre through a triptych of chilling tales.

Following the success of Black Sunday, Black Sabbath allowed Bava to experiment with narrative structure and thematic diversity. The anthology format gave him the freedom to explore different sub-genres of horror, from supernatural terror to psychological suspense. This film demonstrated Bava’s ability to craft distinct and memorable stories within a single film, each with its own mood and style.

Black Sabbath also marked a pivotal moment in Bava’s career by establishing his signature visual style, characterized by vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and meticulous set design. This aesthetic would become a hallmark of his later works, influencing not only his own films but also the broader horror genre. Bava’s use of color and composition in Black Sabbath was particularly revolutionary, setting a new standard for visual storytelling in horror cinema.

The Pros:

1. Diverse Storytelling: Black Sabbath consists of three distinct segments—The Drop of Water, The Telephone, and The Wurdulak. This diversity allows Bava to explore various aspects of horror, from ghostly apparitions to psychological terror and vampire folklore. Each story is self-contained, providing a rich and varied viewing experience.
2. Pacing and Engagement: The anthology format keeps the audience engaged by offering new characters, settings, and scenarios every 30 minutes or so. This structure prevents the film from becoming monotonous and maintains a high level of suspense throughout.
3. Showcase of Talent: The format allows actors to shine in different roles and settings. For instance, Boris Karloff, who not only narrates but also stars in The Wurdulak, delivers a memorable performance that underscores his versatility and enduring appeal.

The Cons:

1. Inconsistent Tone: While the anthology format offers variety, it can also lead to tonal inconsistencies. Black Sabbath navigates between supernatural horror, psychological thriller, and gothic folklore, which might leave some viewers feeling disjointed.
2. Variable Impact: Not all segments may resonate equally with the audience. For example, The Telephone, with its more contemporary and less supernatural storyline, may feel out of place compared to the other, more fantastical tales. This variability in impact can affect the overall cohesiveness of the film.
3. Limited Character Development: The short runtime of each segment restricts character development and narrative depth. While each story is engaging, there is less time to build complex characters and intricate plots compared to a feature-length film.

The Prognosis:

Black Sabbath stands as a testament to Mario Bava’s ingenuity and his ability to push the boundaries of horror cinema. The film’s anthology format, while presenting certain challenges, allows for a diverse and engaging exploration of horror that highlights Bava’s creative range. The success of Black Sabbath helped to solidify Bava’s position as a pioneering director in the genre and paved the way for his subsequent works, including Blood and Black Lace (1964) and Kill, Baby, Kill (1966).

As we look back on Black Sabbath, it’s clear that the film’s strengths lie in its visual style, varied storytelling, and atmospheric tension. Despite some tonal inconsistencies and limited character development, Black Sabbath remains a seminal work in horror cinema, demonstrating Mario Bava’s enduring influence and his mastery of the craft.

• Saul Muerte