魔鬼的陷阱 / Dáblova past (1962)

　　1962捷克斯洛伐克剧情片《魔鬼的陷阱》由法兰提塞·维拉席导演，Vítezslav Vejrazka主演，影片讲述的是：
In the time of CounterReformation a miller and his son come under investigation by a priest of the Inquisition when rumors spread that their prosperity comes from working with the Devil
The Devils Trap is a film directed by František Vláil based on a novel by Alfréd Technik adapted by František A Dvorák and Miloš Kratochvíl It was the first of three historical dramas that Vláil made during the Czech New Wave technically he isnt really a part of the New Wave however these films were made during the same era of artistic freedom preceding his more well known Marketa Lazarová 1967 and Valley of the Bees 1968
Set in the late 16th Century during the Catholic Reformation in the Moravian Karst situated in what is now the Eastern Czech Republic it tells the tale of a miller Vítezslav Vejrazka and his son Jan Vít Olmer who come under suspicion and are investigated by a Jesuit priest of the Inquisition Miroslav Macháchek when rumors of witchcraft are spread by the local regent Cestmír Randa who is jealous of the millers prosperity and degree of respect among the local populace
As expected from Vláil this film is a stunning experience all the way through From the opening shot an ominous manipulation of perspective with a close up of a mangled figure of Christ dominating the foreground against a tiny figure in black walking along the horizon to the breathtaking confrontational finale inside the vast stalactite filled Karst caverns it is a wonderful display of visual mastery
Maybe not quite as impressive as Marketa Lazarová but still full of astonishing imagery As seen from unique angles and distinct points of view which highlight the directors remarkable sense of awareness of framing motion and positioning on the emotional and dramatic tone of the scene The most memorable being a repeated shot where the camera is suspended and launched with speed through the air towards the millers door
The story here is a simple one and I would say more accessible than his later works With a conventional structure emphasized as much by its plot and characters than by its expressionistic cinematography or authentic historical detail The events play out without much surprise and there is a strong underlying almost supernatural mysterious aspect that is left unresolved in fact barely explored which is slightly disappointing but only because its so fascinating that I wish there was more
Acting is great all around Particularly the villains Miroslav Macháchek as the priest casting a sinister and imposing shadow wherever he goes and Cestmír Randa as the weasel like regent behind all the persecution While Vít Olmer brings a charismatic leading man presence in his role as the millers son Jan in love with the lovely orphan girl Martina Karla Chadimová who becomes a dangerous object of rivalry between Jan and other young men of the village
The film also features the evocative music of Zdenk Liška perhaps the most prolific composer of the Czech New Wave In this his second of eleven collaborations with Vláil his compositions are used sparingly but to great effect complimenting but never overpowering a scene The best example of which can be heard in an amazingly shot celebration and dance sequence at the end of the second act
The Devils Trap might not be a masterpiece but it is still a strong effort with a fascinating straightforward story and a glorious historical setting captured beautifully by Vláils unmistakable visual prowess A fine work that would also be the perfect starter plate to prepare yourself for the challenging feast of Marketa Lazarová or The Valley of the Bees It even has an easy to digest running time Its therefore puzzling why this gem remains largely overlooked and ignored