Film Review: Planet of the Vampires (Terrore nello spazio, 1965)
Many films have earned their place in cinema history not necessarily due to their inherent quality, but because they served as foundational works or sources of inspiration for later, more iconic or successful films. One such example is Planet of the Vampires, a 1965 science fiction horror film directed by Mario Bava. While the film has developed a cult following of its own, it is perhaps best known today as a direct inspiration for Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979). Bava’s film, though flawed and often overshadowed by its more famous successor, remains a fascinating piece of cinematic history, offering a glimpse into the creative origins of one of the most influential science fiction films of all time.
Planet of the Vampires is based on the short story "One Night of 21 Hours" by Italian writer Renato Pestriniero. The adaptation, however, takes significant liberties with the source material, transforming it into a visually striking and atmospheric tale of interstellar horror. The film’s plot begins with two large spaceships, the Argos and the Galliott, responding to a mysterious beacon from a distant alien planet. As they approach the planet, the Galliott appears to crash on the surface, while the Argos narrowly avoids a similar fate. The crew of the Argos is suddenly gripped by a strange, murderous impulse, which Captain Mark Markary (played by Barry Sullivan) manages to suppress. After landing, Mark leads a team to search for survivors of the Galliott, only to discover the crew’s lifeless bodies. These bodies soon disappear, reanimating as zombie-like automatons. As the crew of the Argos dwindles, they are forced to cannibalise the Galliott for spare parts. During their exploration, they stumble upon an ancient alien spacecraft, which may hold the key to understanding the fate of the Galliott and their own potential escape from the planet.
The film was co-produced by Italian International Film and American International Pictures (AIP), the latter being a major force in low-budget film production in the United States at the time. Shot in Rome’s famed Cinecittà studios, the film featured a predominantly Italian crew and an international cast, with Barry Sullivan being the only actor to speak English on set. Despite the language barriers and communication challenges, the production proceeded relatively smoothly, thanks to the experienced direction of Mario Bava. Bava, already known for pioneering Italian horror films, brought his signature visual flair to the project, creating a film that, while constrained by its budget, managed to leave a lasting impression.
The low budget of Planet of the Vampires is evident in its production design and special effects. Bava relied on basic optical effects and cheap plastic sets, which were transformed into an alien landscape through the clever use of fog machines and lighting. Despite these limitations, the film’s visuals are surprisingly effective, creating an eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. The absence of a conventional soundtrack further enhances the sense of dread, relying instead on ambient sounds and silence to build tension.
Where the film falters, however, is in its script. The narrative is often confusing, with Bava prioritising visual storytelling over coherent plot development and characterisation. The audience is left struggling to distinguish between the protagonists and secondary characters, with the female cast members, Norma Bengell and Evi Marandi, largely relegated to the role of eye candy, clad in tight leather uniforms. The film’s pacing is uneven, and the dialogue is often stilted, detracting from the overall experience. Nevertheless, Bava’s focus on visuals pays off in certain iconic scenes, such as the haunting sequence in which the zombified crew members rise from their graves—a moment that has become a hallmark of the film.
What makes Planet of the Vampires particularly intriguing is its striking resemblance to Alien, not only in terms of plot but also in its visual design. The alien planet Aura bears a strong resemblance to LV-426, the desolate world in Scott’s film. Even the discovery of an ancient alien skeleton in Bava’s film is mirrored in Alien. Both Ridley Scott and screenwriter Dan O’Bannon have denied being directly influenced by Planet of the Vampires, though O’Bannon later admitted to having seen the film before writing Alien. These undeniable parallels have cemented Bava’s film as a precursor to Scott’s masterpiece, offering a fascinating point of comparison for fans of the genre.
When comparing the two films, Alien clearly comes out on top, benefiting from a larger budget, superior special effects, a more compelling soundtrack, a tighter script, and stronger character development. Planet of the Vampires, by contrast, feels rough around the edges and undeniably dated. However, when viewed through the lens of its influence on Alien, the film takes on a certain retro charm, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the origins of a genre-defining classic.
Planet of the Vampires is best recommended as a curiosity—a piece of cinematic apocrypha that serves as a companion piece for fans of the Alien saga. While it may not stand on its own as a masterpiece, its historical significance and visual creativity make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in the evolution of science fiction and horror cinema. Mario Bava’s film may be rough and uneven, but its legacy as a precursor to one of the greatest films of the genre ensures its place in the annals of cinema history.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo
Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
InLeo: https://inleo.io/signup?referral=drax.leo
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
BCH donations: qpvxw0jax79lhmvlgcldkzpqanf03r9cjv8y6gtmk9