Various (Editor: Black, Andy) - Necronomicon Book Two
This set rectifies an omission from the first book straightaway. Jess Franco. The first section details how heavily influenced Franco was by de Sade, referencing several films. Following is a lively interview with Franco.
“Abnormal Ward” explores earlier films of Hisayasu Sato, often voyeuristic prowls by damaged observers amidst indifferent back alley cruelty.
“Strange Images Of Death” is a real high point in this collection. Paralleling the Polanski version of Macbeth with the Tate murders. Of further reading for the Manson events, find Ed Sanders’ “The Family” followed with “Helter Skelter” by Vince Bugliosi.
“Tits, Ass and Swastikas” serves as an introduction to Nazispliotation. For my money, it would be easier and more efficient to watch the breezy, sleazy documentary, Fascism On A Thread.
Less popular than his more celebrated works, Russ Meyer’s Mudhoney is presented as an early take on the demise of the American Dream in “Rope Of Flesh”.
Final section, “Female Vampires”, checklists the earliest with Gloria Holden, onto Hammer, then Franco and Rollin. Le Fanu’s “Carmilla” is pretty much the inspiration for many of the early films. With Franco and Rollin, one offers blood and carnality, the other dreamlike sensuality.
A good followup to Volume One, used copies usually affordable.