There is something immersive and operatic about THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES that simply carries me away. From the modernist set decoration with elements of art deco and other early twentieth century design elements to the sensuous mystery that is Vulnavia, PHIBES is stylish and decadent, appearing much more expensive than it has a right to look. And yet the film's black humor engulfing the murders and the one-step-behind detectives keeps the film from becoming oppressive and overburdened by its stylishness.

Price's interesting phrasing while delivering his lines suggests a slight struggle with each syllable (and moving his throat while not moving his lips is a nice touch), conveying a sense of drive and giving gravitas to his compulsion for revenge. We know his logic is as warped as his mind, but he also evokes sympathy for his lost love. Phibes' renaissance genius as evidenced by his Clockwork Wizards, macabre devices and his modus operandi give him a super-villain quality that approaches Fantomas and Mabuse and lends PHIBES a slight comic book feel. I think THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES uses every cylinder at full bore, making it a genuine classic horror film of the 1970s.



GARY L. PRANGE
I'm not all bad, just mostly.

"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectos nunc." 
  
Last Edited By: GaryP11111 Jul 31 13 3:02 PM. Edited 5 times.