Bluebeard’s Castle

Filmmaker Biller debuts with an uninspired homage to Gothic fiction. Judith Moore, a young and successful mystery writer, lives “physically” in present-day London but “mentally” in fairy tales, 18th- and 19th-century novels, and old movies. She’s swept away by Byronic hero Gavin Garnet, who lavishes her with attention when they meet at a party. They marry quickly and, at his insistence, move into a Gothic revival castle, Manderfield, in which many a young bride has perished under unusual circumstances. When secrets about Gavin’s romantic past and financial situation come to light, raising questions about his purchase of Manderfield, Judith is torn between her desire for her brutish husband and her fear of his violent rages. There are further signs that Gavin is bad news, like when he slices open a rabbit and guzzles its blood, though he does insist on some degree of moderation: “If you have too much blood all you can think about is getting more blood, and that’s not healthy.” It’s a good line, but more often the writing feels flat (“They rolled around on the bed, madly in love, making out like horny teenagers”), especially when compared with Biller’s visually stunning movies, such as The Love Witch. There’s great material for a film, but as a novel, this falls short. (Oct.)