Danger: Diabolik

This campy romp, adapted from a delightfully demented Italian comic strip, perfectly embodies the Swinging '60s sensibilities found in such diverse sources as the James Bond movies, the Batman TV show, and the pop art of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Garish and fanciful, Mario Bava's stylishly photographed film chronicles the exploits of Diabolik (John Philip Law), criminal genius and master of disguise. When he's not partying with curvaceous cutie Eva (Marisa Mell) in his extravagant underground lair, Diabolik is terrorizing the countryside with bold robberies and making a monkey of his sworn enemy, Inspector Ginko (Michel Piccoli). Law delivers a suitably arch portrayal, and Mell makes a delectable femme fatale, but the real star is Bava, a veteran cinematographer whose keen visual sense makes his work a pleasure to behold (the film is colorful almost to the point of garishness), and the whole shebang is backed by a solid musical score from the legendary Ennio Morricone. Undeniably continental in its tone, this bizarre caper is guaranteed to delight viewers whose tastes run to the outré. Featuring a fine-looking transfer, DVD extras include audio commentary by Law and Video Watchdog publisher and Bava biographer Tim Lucas, a featurette, and a Beastie Boys music video inspired by the film. Recommended. (E. Hulse)