Renowned actress Isabelle Huppert is set to portray the infamous Countess Elizabeth Báthory in the highly anticipated vampire film The Blood Countess, directed by the visionary Ulrike Ottinger. This exciting project promises to bring a fresh perspective to the classic vampire genre, showcasing Huppert’s extraordinary talent in a role that is both challenging and captivating.
Nearly a quarter-century ago, Isabelle Huppert delivered a stunning performance in the erotic psychological drama The Piano Teacher, which not only captivated audiences but also won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival. In this remarkable film, Huppert’s portrayal earned her the Best Actress award, while her co-star Benoît Magimel took home the Best Actor award. The Piano Teacher, adapted from a novel by Elfriede Jelinek, is now a classic. Huppert and Jelinek are set to reunite for the thrilling vampire tale The Blood Countess, where Huppert will embody the notorious Countess Elizabeth Báthory, a 16th-century Hungarian serial killer whose dark legacy continues to intrigue audiences today.
According to Variety, the acclaimed German New Wave filmmaker Ulrike Ottinger will not only direct The Blood Countess but also co-write the screenplay alongside Jelinek. In this gripping narrative, Huppert’s character awakens from a prolonged slumber, emerging from the shadows of the underworld. Joined by her devoted maid, portrayed by Birgit Minichmayr, they embark on a visually striking and baroque adventure through Vienna in search of the elusive red elixir of life. This mystical book holds secrets that could jeopardize their vampire realm if discovered by their adversaries. As they navigate their quest, they are pursued by a cast of colorful characters, including a vegetarian nephew, a psychotherapist, two vampirologists, and a police inspector, creating a rich tapestry of humor and intrigue.
The impressive cast also features notable actors such as Birgit Minichmayr from Daughters, Lars Eidinger from Dying, Thomas Schubert from Afire, and André Jung from The Forger. Together, they will bring depth and complexity to this unique vampire narrative, making it a highly anticipated addition to the genre.
The Magnify sales team is actively promoting The Blood Countess to potential buyers at the European Film Market. In their statement, Magnify described the film as ?an immersive and delightfully eccentric vampire mystery, featuring a vibrant cast led by the captivating Blood Countess herself. The narrative unfolds as a highly visual scavenger hunt, intertwining elements of history, modernity, humor, and style. This film is poised to reintroduce Ottinger?s distinctive work to a global audience eager for visually striking and intelligent genre cinema.?
Ulrike Ottinger expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, ?This is the perfect moment for the Blood Countess to awaken from her deep slumber and embrace the current world. With the strange occurrences in our reality reminiscent of past events, Vienna, with its historic architecture and timeless elegance, serves as an ideal backdrop for this thrilling tale. The Blood Countess, with her sophistication, beauty, and cunning, enchants everyone in her path?those who serve her, those who flee from her, and those who dare to pursue her.? Ottinger’s impressive filmography dates back to the 1970s, boasting titles such as The Enchantment of the Blue Soldiers, Madame X: An Absolute Ruler, Ticket of No Return, Freak Orlando, Joan of Arc of Mongolia, and many more.
Are you excited to see Isabelle Huppert take on the role of The Blood Countess? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments below!
