Isabelle Huppert Embodies the “Blood Countess” in Ulrike Ottinger’s Surreal Vampire Fantasy

From the dark heart of central Europe comes a midnight-movie romp through the moonlit urban glades of Euro-goth and camp, courtesy of German director Ulrike Ottinger. At its center is Isabelle Huppert, who critics agree was born to play Countess Elizabeth Báthory, the 16th-century Hungarian noblewoman and serial killer legendary for her attempts to achieve eternal youth through the blood of young girls.

A Role Huppert Was Destined To Play

Huppert’s portrayal of Báthory has been lauded as a perfect match for the actress’s inherent qualities. Reviewers note that she doesn’t alter her characteristic hauteur, instead allowing her natural aristocratic bearing and cool detachment to define the role. Her performance is characterized by an opaque gaze and a politely bemused expression, conveying a sense of disdain for those around her. As The Guardian notes, Huppert’s face is lit like that of a Golden Age Hollywood star, lending her makeup a ghostly sheen.

A Surreal and Satirical Take on a Dark Legend

Ottinger’s film, co-written with Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek, presents a surreal and often humorous take on the Báthory legend. The story unfolds in present-day Vienna, where the Countess has returned and is reacquainting herself with relatives, including her nephew Rudi, a timid art enthusiast, and his therapist, Theobald. The film blends historical lore with fantastical elements, featuring a vampire maidservant and a city gripped by fear as a serial killer emerges.

Camp, Cruelty, and Aristocratic Disdain

The Guardian describes the film as a “blackly comic take on the Báthory legend,” highlighting its exploration of camp, cruelty, and aristocratic disdain. The film’s visual style is striking, with abundant use of red – not the dark color of blood, but rather garish shades reminiscent of artificial coloring. While the narrative isn’t always straightforward, the film can be interpreted as a satire of the Austrian ruling class and its enduring snobbery.

A Legacy of Interpretations

Countess Elizabeth Báthory has been portrayed by numerous actresses throughout film history, including Ingrid Pitt, Delphine Seyrig, Paloma Picasso, and Julie Delpy. However, many critics believe Huppert’s interpretation is uniquely suited to the role, capturing the essence of the infamous “Blood Countess.”

Behind the Scenes

Ulrike Ottinger conceived of the project over 25 years ago. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where Ottinger previously received an Honorary Golden Bear in 2020.