Vampir Cuadecuc (1972)

In an era of fervent transformation within the Spanish film industry, from the government-sanctioned "new cinemas" to the clandestine and rebellious practices opposing the Franco regime, Vampir-Cuadecuc emerges as a pivotal piece of cinema. The film uniquely captures the behind-the-scenes making of Jesús Franco's commercial venture, Count Dracula, boldly subverting the conventional narrative. The film's director, Portabella, wields two instruments of cinematic defiance. Firstly, he eradicates color, plunging the film into a stark, monochromatic world, a metaphor for the suppressive regime of the time. Secondly, he replaces the soundtrack with a cacophonous symphony of image-sound clashes, composed by the avant-garde musician Carles Santos. Filmed audaciously in 16mm with the use of sound negative, Vampir-Cuadecuc explores the interplay of darkness and light, which amplifies the eerie "fantasmatic materialism" that the film is steeped in. This approach unveils the intricate process of creating the enchantment found in mainstream narrative cinema. Simultaneously, it serves as a radical critique of the Spanish film institution of the time. Vampir-Cuadecuc is not merely a film; it is a profound exploration of cinema's magical construction and a provocative commentary on the political state of the era. It's a cinematic experience that challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface and dive into a world where artistry and rebellion coalesce.

Vampir Cuadecuc is a documentary movie featuring Christopher Lee and directed by Pere Portabella.

Vampir Cuadecuc is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel, MUBI Amazon Channel, Metrograph and Night Flight Plus.

It is also possible to buy Vampir Cuadecuc on Amazon Video.