While doing a bit of research on Rembrandt (it’s all Greenaway’s fault), I had the thought to check up on the status of Julie Delpy’s upcoming film The Countess.

I’ve been impressed with the tidbits of information that have been released about the film, a dramatic adaptation of events surrounding the life of Elizabeth Báthory, a 16th-century Hungarian countess who was said to have killed virgins and bathed in their blood in an effort to keep herself young; but everything released to date along with the myth itself, suggested that this would be a dark and twisted tale and though it may be; the film’s trailer suggests something different. I should have guessed that coming from Delpy, who aside from starring also wrote and directed the film, this tale would be much more realistic and a sort of meditation on power, beauty and youth.

It looks low key but beautiful and I love that though it’s period and the costuming and set design look top notch, they are not at the centre of this trailer. It really is a look at the woman behind the myth and I can’t wait for the opportunity to see it. The Countess premiered at Berlin earlier this year but sadly, it has not been picked up for North American distribution. It has, however, been picked up for release in a few European markets opening in Germany on June 25th and the Netherlands on August 6th. Looks like I’ll be keeping watch for a European DVD release before the end of ’09.

The Countess Trailer [ 0:01 | 8.14 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup