7. Daughters Of Darkness (1971)
A Belgian horror movie made by Harry Kümel, Daughters of Darkness has built up a reputation as being one of the most interesting vampire films made not just in Europe, but also all over the world. Stefan and Valerie are two newly weds on holiday. They take a room in a hotel which is situated on the Ostend sea front. Their intention is to catch a ferry to England so Valerie can meet Stefan's mother, but Stefan doesn't seem too thrilled by this. The hotel is a bit freaky as it is off season and there are no guests in it apart from the newly weds. But lo and behold! Here enters our friend Elizabeth Bathory into the hotel. We all know that with Lizzie around, there will be some kinky vampire action. She arrives with her secretary Ilona and takes a keen interest in the young couple. Bathory being Bathory, murder ensues. Eveyone dies apart from Valerie who is left vampirised, looking for fresh prey. Daughters of Darkness is stylish and complex enough to be considered an erotic art house classic, especially as it is rather slow moving and does not deliver any big shocks as you would expect in a horror movie. Much praise must be given to Delphine Seyrig for her performance as Elizabeth Bathory. She is both subtle and sensual in her role. Delphine was a very skilled actress who had worked with the likes of Truffaut and Buñuel so it is no surprise that her performance was magical. There are not really exploitative elements in Daughters of Darkness. The nudity and blood shedding are tasteful and arty. Anyone expecting a lesbian vampire shocker like Franco's Vampyros Lesbos, will be disappointed. Those of you in search of beautifully filmed Vampire art will have your appetites satiated.