Venus in Furs

"It all began last year near Istambul, on the shore of the Black Sea, or at least I think it did"

is the line that starts Jess Franco's Venus in Furs.

The movie never really grabbed me. what can i say? Something about the pace.
However thats not to imply that it wasnt worth a watch. The music alone
is worth its weight in gold, and is essential to the plot as well. You see,
Jim (the main character whose opening line is above) is a Jazz trumpet player.
He plays small clubs all over the world. (nice gig, Jim!) After witnessing a rather
surprising murder in club, he becomes obsessed with the reappearance of the victim
who seems to have something of a thing for him. But wait! she's dead! thinks poor Jim. I saw her body wash up on a beach in Istambul! then how is she walking into this posh private party I'm gigging at in Rio during Carnival? And thus begins Jims
engulfment in the mystery that is Wanda (the Venus in Furs herself)
the scenes of carnival are awesome, and the music scene the of the club shots and private parties were really cool to watch. The music was done by Manfred Mann, and evey now and again they unleash the title track, sung by Jim's very talented vocalist / lover. But really. what the hells going on? is she dead or not? Jim doesnt really seem to care. The girl is too hot for him to worry about these little details. Or maybe the problem is realllllly with Jim himself?
All in all, I can see this movie being enjoyed best as a sort of background to a party. Allowing people to fade in and out of it as they wish. The scenes are visually very appealing and some of the early special effects would add that "60's acid flashback" vibe to any room. Yeah. I have to say this one is more ambient than engrossing as a story. But a very cool and jazzy atmosphere full of 60's fashions, and exotic cities, a dash of skin and the confusion of a man.