It doesn't take one long to realise that this an above average 'peplum, sword and sandals' movie . Directed by veteran Mario Bonnard this is shot by Tino Santoni in glorious Ferraniacolor with a tremendous score by Antonioni's preferred composer Giovanni Fusco.
The cast is 'intriguing'. Clara Calamai makes the best of a thankless role having impressed the previous year as the prostitute in Visconti's underrated 'White Nights'. Former model Isabelle Corey, more than just a pretty face, was spotted by Melville who cast her in 'Bob le Flambeur' and fared very well in European films thereafter. Irene Tunc, a former Miss France, plays her role of the sensuous, manipulative Diala with relish and she has as her slave the American John Kitzmiller. As a soldier he had been part of the force that liberated Italy in World War Two and stayed there to forge a career. Sadly this career declined rapidly. Most viewers will recognise him as Quarrel in 'Dr. No'.
This film holds the attention and is free of those unintentionally funny moments that very often mar films of this type. The finale has a heavenly chorus in true Hollywood mode but we have a distinctly non-Hollywood image of a crucifix around which is the inscription 'On this sign thou shalt conquer', in Latin!
As a postscript, Sergio Leone is assistant director here. When Bonnard proved too ill to complete 'Last days of Pompeii' Leone stepped up to the plate.
Review of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love
