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Who was really Erzsebet Bathory? Was she really a "bloody countess", as some historians name her? Or was she a very well educated woman mastering several languages and seriously interested natural healer? Graceful person of fine taste and at the same time so rich, that she irritated many royal women with her original robes tailored for her in far Italy? Sadistic murderess, or a victim of former relationships full of dark intrigues, which were sewed by someone powerful, lusting for her fabulous fortune? Cruel merciless mistress or a vulnerable, lonely widow, perhaps both?
From the castle of Cachtice, which had a reputation of unconquerable mansion in all Middle East Europe, only ruins remained. Chateau of Cachtice under the keep disappeared entirely. There is only a small museum in a small village, owning the only portrait of former monarch of the whole region, Erzsebet. Not even her age is possible to determine from the portrait of very questionable quality. She voluptuously looks upon us with sad eyes, face of melancholy, strictly closed lips demonstrate, that she was an energetic woman, meanwhile her big eyes are revealing her boldness and sense of romance..."
"Director Juraj Jakubisko is offering this new perspective on life of Erzsebet. Her film story begins in a time when she is 32 years old. Her Husband, Ferenc Nadasdy, is fighting in wars with Turks and she alone is taking care of children together with wide family wealth. The film is not supposed to be a documentary, neither an accurate reconstruction of history. Director is following historical facts and fills in unexplored parts -- so-called "blank" spots with his fantasy. That is how famous Italian painter Caravaggio or Monteverdi author of first opera, are getting to the story.
Director invited and cast many international, Czech and Slovakian actors. We will see British actress Anna Friel as Erzsebet, as her husband Ferenc Nadasdy -- Vincent Regan, Italian painter Caravaggio is played by Hans Matheson and four main characters is closing Karel Roden as Gyorgi Thurzo. In other parts from international talents Franco Nero, Tim Preece and from Czech and Slovakian we will introduce Deana Horvatova, Bolek Polivka, Marek Vasut, Jiri Madl, Lucie Vondrackova, Andrej Hryc, Monika Hilmerova, Marek Majesky and many others.
Submitted by Dragonrouge
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