I really like Argento-horror and Tenebrae sure ranks as my second favorite film of his. But, by no means I can refer to his films as being genre-masterpieces. They merely are top-notch entertainment for the more demanding horror fans. Yet, Dario's films always show a lot of directorial style and compelling suspense. Argento films somewhat float between classics and oblivion. With Tenebrae, Argento once again proves himself to be a master of suspense. A master of plotting, however, he is not. The film tells the story of a successful American horror author who comes to Rome to promote his latest work: A semi-perverted and anti-feminist horror novel called
duh
Tenebrae. Along with the writer's arrival in Rome, a sadistic killing spree terrorizes the city. In order to practice his filthy hobby, the killer closely follows the writer's new book line by line. Roman police forces lack complete professionalism as usual and our Yank starts his own little investigation.
I'll be the first to admit that Tenebrae contains genuinely creepy moments. Like, for example, when a young girl is accidentally trapped within the killer's mansion after being chased by an aggressive dog. That particular sequence is a pure piece of Argento-brilliance. Almost ten minutes of scares and a swirling camera style, guided by compelling music. But, as opposed to outstanding sequences like this, there are too many uninspired, rubbish sequences in which Argento desperately tries to keep the killer's identity hidden. Not highly efficient and exaggeratedly gross. The film is a bit long and a scene cut here or there would have been appropriate. I guess Argento saved up all the 'cutting' exclusively for the victims in his script. Another slight disappointment in Tenebrae (although this may be very personal) is that John Saxon is dreadfully underused. Saxon is one of the most charismatic B-actors ever, but he barely has any screen time. What the hell is that about, Dario? But, for the gorehounds among us, Tenebrae easily is one of Argento's sickest, most violent films. Slit throats blood-colored walls axe dismemberments and some other filthy tricks. By the end of the film, the entire cast is neatly exterminated. Very convenient, no?
At the beginning of this review, I mentioned that Tenebrae is my second favorite Argento film. This film is only outshined by (Terror at the) Opera! That particular sickie is less hyped than the rest of Argento's repertoire, but a lot more slick, clever and shocking.
I'll be the first to admit that Tenebrae contains genuinely creepy moments. Like, for example, when a young girl is accidentally trapped within the killer's mansion after being chased by an aggressive dog. That particular sequence is a pure piece of Argento-brilliance. Almost ten minutes of scares and a swirling camera style, guided by compelling music. But, as opposed to outstanding sequences like this, there are too many uninspired, rubbish sequences in which Argento desperately tries to keep the killer's identity hidden. Not highly efficient and exaggeratedly gross. The film is a bit long and a scene cut here or there would have been appropriate. I guess Argento saved up all the 'cutting' exclusively for the victims in his script. Another slight disappointment in Tenebrae (although this may be very personal) is that John Saxon is dreadfully underused. Saxon is one of the most charismatic B-actors ever, but he barely has any screen time. What the hell is that about, Dario? But, for the gorehounds among us, Tenebrae easily is one of Argento's sickest, most violent films. Slit throats blood-colored walls axe dismemberments and some other filthy tricks. By the end of the film, the entire cast is neatly exterminated. Very convenient, no?
At the beginning of this review, I mentioned that Tenebrae is my second favorite Argento film. This film is only outshined by (Terror at the) Opera! That particular sickie is less hyped than the rest of Argento's repertoire, but a lot more slick, clever and shocking.