This was Dario Argento's first film and boy, is it ever impressive as he shows quite a wonderful and beautiful style in just his opening feature.
Pretty darn quick into the film that plot takes shape as Tony Musante plays Sam Dalmas who is an American writer witnesses the attempted murder of Monica Ranieri (Eva Renzi) who owns the very art gallery that this crime takes place. The investigation is lead by Inspector Morosini (Enrico Maria Salerno) who believes that it is a maniac who has killed three other women who is the culprit. In the end Dalmas decides to try and crack the case himself. Also starring Suzy Kendall as Dalmas' girlfriend Julia.
To me probably the most straight-forward script by Dario Argento and was supposedly written in 5 days. Has staples that are included in some of Argento's later works such as the black-gloved killer and interesting kills. Although on rewatching this for this review I noticed that the kills in later Argento films get much more gruesome. Argento is great in adding very interesting characters through out to keep things lively. I also love the freeze-framing done when Dalmas sits and rethinks about what he witnessed. I think it was extremely effective. As well a very good, underrated and never really ever mentioned score by Ennio Morricone. As usual he does a great job.
Any fans of giallo out there this is a must-see and anyone who may not know what a giallo is maybe this is an excellent one to start with. On a final note was very pleased to see this was included in the version of 1,001 Movies To See Before You Die. Was also saddened as I think this was the only Argento film in the list. You can probably guess how many of Lucio Fulci's were in the list. :) Personally, I really enjoyed some of Argento's later work like DEEP RED, SUSPIRIA and TENEBRAE more, but this one gets a strong 7/10 from me and recommend it.
Pretty darn quick into the film that plot takes shape as Tony Musante plays Sam Dalmas who is an American writer witnesses the attempted murder of Monica Ranieri (Eva Renzi) who owns the very art gallery that this crime takes place. The investigation is lead by Inspector Morosini (Enrico Maria Salerno) who believes that it is a maniac who has killed three other women who is the culprit. In the end Dalmas decides to try and crack the case himself. Also starring Suzy Kendall as Dalmas' girlfriend Julia.
To me probably the most straight-forward script by Dario Argento and was supposedly written in 5 days. Has staples that are included in some of Argento's later works such as the black-gloved killer and interesting kills. Although on rewatching this for this review I noticed that the kills in later Argento films get much more gruesome. Argento is great in adding very interesting characters through out to keep things lively. I also love the freeze-framing done when Dalmas sits and rethinks about what he witnessed. I think it was extremely effective. As well a very good, underrated and never really ever mentioned score by Ennio Morricone. As usual he does a great job.
Any fans of giallo out there this is a must-see and anyone who may not know what a giallo is maybe this is an excellent one to start with. On a final note was very pleased to see this was included in the version of 1,001 Movies To See Before You Die. Was also saddened as I think this was the only Argento film in the list. You can probably guess how many of Lucio Fulci's were in the list. :) Personally, I really enjoyed some of Argento's later work like DEEP RED, SUSPIRIA and TENEBRAE more, but this one gets a strong 7/10 from me and recommend it.