The name Bava comes with an expectation of quality not met in this early 90s throwback filled with much behind-the-scenes tumult.
Severed body parts are the only clues left for a detective to track a vicious killer. Let’s dig into 1992’s BODY PUZZLE, directed by Lamberto Bava!
As I See It
Using Russian composer Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” in the trailer is perhaps one of the only exciting aspects of the film.
Directed by Lamberto Bava, son of Italian master Mario Bava, the trivia behind the film is filled with rife between producers and the director. Unfortunately, that shows on the screen. Bava has had little good to say about the film and the filmmaking process for this entry in his catalog.
That can not be blamed on living in his father’s shadow as Lamberto had some monumental success with Demons, and I would call A Blade in the Dark one of my favorite giallos.
The Bavas did team up on one film, co-directing (though Lamberto was not officially credited) Shock in 1977.
Almost fifty minutes into the movie, I still didn’t know exactly what it was all about.
Body Puzzle had all the charm of a made-for-TV slasher version of The Producers. The set dressing and props were one of the only redeeming qualities I could find.
Famous Faces
Joanna Pacula (Tracy) was in an earlier Dig, Virus, which is more notable for its collectible figure line than any screen accomplishments. However, it did star The Scream Queen, herself, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Pacula was also in the epic nineties western Tombstone.
Of Gratuitous Nature
I was lulled into a trance. Nothing sticks out.
Heartthrob
The Polish Pacula has a prepossessing appearance.
Ripe for a Remake
The premise could be a lot of fun to play with. Having a detective construct a morbid puzzle out of body parts, or at least photos of body parts, could be a memorable scene. Films have been green-lit on less.
Spawns
No progeny to report.
Where to Watch
With no high-definition physical release for the US, you can either grab one of a few German Blu-ray releases or settle for a DVD. You can stream Body Puzzle for free on Kanopy.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 Butterflies): 1.5
THE DAILY DIG
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