Splendid debut film for Italian horror master Dario Argento that nearly single-handedly launched the giallo genre.
American writer vacationing in Italy prevents a murder at an art gallery, then finds himself a pawn in the killer's deadly game.
Argento, who would go on to make such classic horror films as Deep Red (1975) and Suspiria (1977), shows his directorial talents well with this first film. Argento makes excellent use of such simple elements, like darkness, close up shots, and rustic locations to give this film a wonderfully garish style! He builds tight suspense through out the film, all the while giving us a nicely twisted murder mystery. The mystery is a gripping one, based upon Frederic Brown's novel The Screaming Mimi. The climax of the film is a truly clever twist. Composer Ennio Morricone adds greatly to the films dark atmosphere with his hauntingly beautiful music score. The film also sports one of the best titles of the giallo genre 'The Bird with the Crystal Plumage'.
The films cast does some good performances, the best being sexy Tony Musante as the films hero turned civilian investigator.
A terrific film, that is a must see not just for fans of Argentos work, but for those seeking a great thriller or clever murder mystery.
**** out of ****
American writer vacationing in Italy prevents a murder at an art gallery, then finds himself a pawn in the killer's deadly game.
Argento, who would go on to make such classic horror films as Deep Red (1975) and Suspiria (1977), shows his directorial talents well with this first film. Argento makes excellent use of such simple elements, like darkness, close up shots, and rustic locations to give this film a wonderfully garish style! He builds tight suspense through out the film, all the while giving us a nicely twisted murder mystery. The mystery is a gripping one, based upon Frederic Brown's novel The Screaming Mimi. The climax of the film is a truly clever twist. Composer Ennio Morricone adds greatly to the films dark atmosphere with his hauntingly beautiful music score. The film also sports one of the best titles of the giallo genre 'The Bird with the Crystal Plumage'.
The films cast does some good performances, the best being sexy Tony Musante as the films hero turned civilian investigator.
A terrific film, that is a must see not just for fans of Argentos work, but for those seeking a great thriller or clever murder mystery.
**** out of ****