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Notoriously parred down in length due to studio interference and infamously plagued with production troubles, Michael Mann's only foray into horror remains an amazing, phantasmagoric, and strikingly unique blend of period piece, horror, and fantasy. Allegorical elements mirroring the battle between good an evil as portrayed in Christian mythology, a disorienting feeling reminiscent of 80's era Italian horror, and a smashing soundtrack by Tangerine Dream all serve to create a thick, palpable atmosphere that sucks you in even further. And though some of the cuts are abrupt and storylines visibly stunted, they end up contributing to the vague and mysterious air of the whole affair and alleviate what would normally destroy any other film.
The story centers around a Nazi occupied Carpathian village (an air of Stoker's Dracula abounds in the setup) and the soldiers taking refuge in the titular ancient keep that is the source of much superstition among the villagers. They are drawn to it and eventually release a seductive ancient force and thus set a series of events in motion that suggest something far more ominous and beyond the boundaries of human understanding.
Beautiful cinematography, a stellar cast (Ian McKellan, Scott Glenn, Gabriel Byrne, and Jurgen Prochnow), gobsmackingly gorgeous and unique effects, and beautifully authentic set and costume design all further enrich and already engaging and wonderful experience. It breaks my heart to read about the cuts, especially in light of what we know Mann can do and how many hints to further character development we see in the remaining film, but it's a testament to Mann's skill that despite almost an hour and a half of footage missing this movie is still this beautiful and engaging.
