Bathory (2008)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

Juraj Jakubisko

Writers:

John Paul Chapple (dialogue)
Juraj Jakubisko (script)

Release Date:

10 July 2008 (Czech Republic)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | History

Plot:

Bathory is based on the legends surrounding the life and deeds of Countess Elizabeth Bathory known as the greatest murderess in the history of mankind. Contrary to popular belief, Elizabeth Bathory was a modern Renaissance woman who ultimately fell victim to mens aspirations for power and wealth. |

Plot Keywords:

Bathory | Countess | Legend | Female Nudity | Corpse

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Anna Friel	...	Erzsébet Báthory
Karel Roden	...	Juraj Thurzo
Vincent Regan	...	Ferenc Nadasdy
Hans Matheson	...	Merisi Caravaggio
Deana Horváthová	...	Darvulia (as Deana Jakubisková-Horváthová)
Franco Nero	...	King Mathias II
Antony Byrne	...	Pastor Ponicky
Bolek Polívka	...	Monk Peter
Jirí Mádl	...	Neophyte Cyril
Monika Hilmerová	...	Countess Czobor
Lucie Vondrácková	...	Lucia
Jaromír Nosek	...	Miklós Zrínyi (as Míra Nosek)
Marek Majeský	...	Gábor Báthory
Andrew Tiernan	...	Zavodsky
Marek Vasut	...	Bethlen

Also Known As:

Untitled Juraj Jakubisko Project (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

138 min

Country:

Slovakia | Czech Republic | UK | Hungary | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Austria

Company:

Eurofilm Stúdió

Trivia:

Famke Janssen was originally signed on for the part of Bathory, but for reasons unknown she backed out. Anna Friel read the script and fell in love with it and sent the director a letter convincing him to cast her. It was written in Slovak language, because her babysitter was from Slovakia and helped her writing it.

A visual experience that takes its time

Fields stained with Turkish blood. Villages and witches burned. High castles and deep catacombs. Bleak life full of vivid imagination. Such is the world Bathory, The Bloody Lady of Cachtice.

Elizabeth Bathory lets you see the film through the eyes of a mother, lover and ruler rather than the legendary serial killer. Throughout the film she strives to protect her children, love and land while ignoring her tainted reputation. The intrigues escalate. Blood is spilled. And a false myth is born.

Although there is a complex epic plot, the film feels more like a series of still pictures. There is a lot of symbolism and the plot slows down so that you can fully enjoy it. Apart from the story, the Bathory also takes some time to explain how myths are created and abused to serve one’s needs. The acting is outstanding but does not stand out as much as the Hungarian costumes that make the film look fresh.

Unfortunately the movie is significantly flawed by repetitive comic relief in which two monks use various inventions to spy on the countess. They seem to have come from another movie and make you question the taste of the writers. Should there be a version without those comedians a 9/10 rating would be appropriate.