Someone... something, rules in his place.

The Masque of the Red Death — 3.5/5

Del Toro wishes he could capture the mood and artistry of this movie. Cheap around the edges, yes, but something beautiful and poetic about it. I'd put it adjacent to 'The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie'? Though less outright crazy, and with more control on the part of the nobles who think their high status can save them if they just wall themselves off from the outside world. I think this movie does a good job of positioning satanism as less 'evil' and more of the 'I'm just a realist' variety, speaking plainly about the truth of the world as though it was the intention of the world rather than the thing to be solved. Using their power to keep things as they are, and to remind people that that's why it is, as though that was the right and total thing. Had he a kinder voice, Price's killing of the villagers who have sought escape from the Red Death might be seen as a mercy. He loses his "decency" by speaking plainly. He's paired well with Jane Asher who has a wonderful softness to her, making her a great guest into this world.