This fourth episode in a 12-part 1999 series covering Euro-horror and eroticism looks at the career of José Ramón Larraz. The title of this particular Eurotika! segment refers to Larraz’s place of birth – and place of residence at the time when he was interviewed for the piece.
As a primer for Larraz’ oeuvre, it gives a pretty good overview, even if it doesn’t go into enough detail to satisfy the most ardent fan. However, it features specially recorded interviews with the man himself, as well as friend and collaborator Brian Smedley-Aston and Marianne Morris (of Vampyres (1974) repute).
It’s these chats that form the bulk of the piece, supplemented by unobtrusive voice-over. And there are several clips, mostly from the aforementioned film and while it’s not exhaustive, From Barcelona… is a warm, informative look at a creator who describes himself (rather too modestly) as a “second-rate director”.
The series, by the way was made by Andy Starke and Pete Tombs who, among many other things, currently run the Mondo Macabro DVD/Blu-ray label.
I viewed this as one of the special features on the BFI’s excellent Blu-ray release of Symptoms (1974), probably his best-regarded film – but it’s also available (at the time of writing) here.
Elektrical Turbulence 