The Rape of the Vampire

Fascinating debut from Rollin. Most of it didn't make a lick of sense, but the coherent bits raised some good points. Also there were lots of boobs.

The second part is kind of confusing.

Although this is an incoherent and disjointed film - likely a reflection of the troubled production process - it is full of striking images which paired with the unsettling music make for a suitably vampiric atmosphere. While there are moments of proper eroticism, it has to be said that some of the toplessness is gratuitous, which is not to say that the breasts on show are not beautiful (they are) but rather that this nudity does not seem to serve a clear purpose.

The most blissfully deranged, and least draggy, of the Rollin vampire films I've seen so far

A re-watch and my 1st Rollin in 20+ years. It’s not a good film, but he definitely had a distinctive vision from the start. Closest comparison would be Jess Franco, but this has a New Wave inspired feel and it’s heavy on dialogue. 1st part is more traditional gothic horror which benefits from rural locations. 2nd part with the vampire queen and seeking of antidote is more nonsensical, and it's not surprising it was extended after filming 1st part. A lot tamer than the title leads you to believe.