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Title: A Baroque Romance
Review: The Amazon reviewer calls it "Mad", pop reviewer Leonard Maltin thinks it's boring. Poor sad souls. The Dutchman is a 16th century man and like Karloff in The Mummy he is pursuing his 16th century beloved through the centuries. The dialogue is frequently formal or mannerist, exceptionally romantic in the artistic meaning of the word. Totally appropriate for the baroque characters of the story. This is a tale Lord Byron could have spun for the Shelley's at his villa on Lake Geneva. The cast couldn't be better. The cinematography is excellent though the print isn't the best. I have it recorded off DVR. There is a DVD remaster out there which I think damages the mood of the film. They brighten the movie beginning to end. Technology run amok. This a film noire Romance. It's a dark story told by candlelight. It's a Carravagio; light and heavy shadow. I believe KINO's 1080p renovation is the offending version. Stick with the original print if you can.
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