Massimo Girotti and Renato Baldini in HEAD OF A TRYANT (1959)
In this scene, the two men and their friends watch a mongoose battling with cobras. Enter Isabelle Corey (below; Judith). Massimo plays Holophernes. Of course, Judith hates what they are watching and betting on. For some this scene might be disturbing but National Geographic has clips of a mongoose and cobra fighting to the death at their website...and there are plenty of clips on the internet of the two animals fighting. So it's not as exploitive as one could perceive it to be.
These screengrabs are from a copy in HD. Aside from some issues with dodgy colours, the print is the best yet. Really great. I love this movie so of course it's a pleasure to view it in such a near pristine condition.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the best Peplums of all time.
Judith beheading Holophernes is the subject of two magnificent Baroque paintings by Artemisia Gentileschi.
These works have become feminist icons.