Based on the S&M comics of Guido Crepax, Baba Yaga is a trippy blur
between reality and dreamlife set in swingin' Milan. Made in 1973, it was
one of only two feature films directed by Corrado Farina, which is a shame
given that he is clearly a man with a vision (maybe not a budget, but
definitely a vision). Valentina (model and Euro-starlet Isabelle de Funes)
is an attractive fashion photographer who bears an uncanny resemblance to
Louise Brooks, partying with models, artists and left-wing intellectuals as
the film begins. As she stumbles back to her apartment late that night,
after stubbornly insisting to her friends that she walk alone, she
encounters a mysterious, elegant, older blonde woman (Carroll Baker of
Baby Doll infamy) when she nearly hits Valentina with her Rolls Royce.
She is clearly smitted by the young woman, and after insisting on giving her
a ride home, she introduces herself simply as "Baba Yaga", takes one of
Valentina's garters and disappears into the night.
The unusual meeting gives way to some bizarrely erotic dreams for
Valentina, and these dreams are wherein lies some of the film's real
innovation, and also, some real confusion.
Nazis,
surreal boxing matches, hippies and bondage dolls that come to life a la
Der Golem begin popping up so fast, you'll no doubt have to hit the
rewind button more than a few times just to see if you missed something!
But ultimately, it's the mood of Baba Yaga that is its strong point.
It's not quite a horror film, despite the murders and violence, and it's not
quite a sex film, despite the nudity and erotic overtones. Furthermore, it
is unclear what exactly what underlying political message that Farina is
trying to convey with his unsual, yet striking imagery. Creative
cinematography, eye-popping sets and costumes, loads of cheesy dialogue, and
a funky score by Piero Umiliani all make for great entertainment, even if
the plot is mildly incomprehensible.