Bathory – 2008 film

Bathory weaves a thought-provoking alternate tale of the infamous Countess Báthory Erzsébet. Was she a victim of religious political conspiracy and greed? Whatever you believe, the movie provides potential answers to the stories of legend about the vampire countess. A sub-plot reveals a romantic relationship between the countess and Caravaggio, yes, the famous Baroque painter. The settings are magical and the costumes beautiful in this two-hour plus movie starring Anna Friel as Elizabeth Bathory.

Contrary to the movie's explanation, the popular legend tells us Bathory was a murderess who believed that by bathing in the blood of virgins she would forever keep a beautiful youthful appearance. An extreme tale of caution to where vanity might lead. She was accused along with four others of torturing and killing hundreds of girls. Her thirst for blood was exceeded only by imagination.  She was eventually convicted in 1610 and walled in with bricks in a small section of rooms in Csejte Castle instead of being executed, a privilege provided to nobility in Hungary. She remained there as a prisoner for almost 4 years until her death.

These similarities to Vlad Ţepeş and superstitions of the time have led to her notoriety as a vampire.

Enjoy the trailer for Bathory (2008)

Another movie I'm hoping to see is The Countess with Julie Delpy portraying Bathory.  Have you seen either?

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