Viewed – 15 June 2011 DVD
Cult Italian horror auteur Dario Argento’s 1970 debut, has all the trade marks that have distinguished his career right through to the present. The black gloved killer, beautiful female victims, superb camera work, an effective, characteristically unnerving musical score, and grand set-piece murders. Tony Musante plays an American writer travelling in Rome with his girlfriend (the gorgeously photogenic Suzy Kendall, who looks like a young Suzanne George), when he witnesses an attempted murder on a local female gallery owner by a dark figure dressed in a black raincoat. He becomes amateur sleuth after the local detective takes away his passport, and soon further murders take place and he grows ever closer to unmasking the assailant.
Although by no means as graphic as the director’s other works, this well told murder mystery harks back to the classic films of Alfred Hitchcock in both the theme and iconic imagery. Dario Argento has been often labelled the Italian Hitchcock, and with this thriller such a label is hard to deny. Yet although his work has become more abstract and bizarre over the years, and such creating a style that is distinctly his own, with this effective film, the director made a mark in cinema that introduced the world to a bold and brilliant new visionist. Engaging performances by its lead actors (especially Musante) and situations that really get your pulse racing help create a distinctly classy thriller right up their with the director’s best … which is stunning when you consider it was his debut feature.
This Blue Underground DVD release showcases the movie in its rarely seen uncut version, and also boasts a quality picture and a choice of various soundtracks, such as 5.1 Dolby Digital and 6.1 DTS, as well as including the original stereo soundtrack. Extra’s consist of an essential commentary track from horror-expert Kim Newman and Argento biographer Allen Jones, as well as interviews and a trailer. Not too shabby.
One of the few examples of Dario Argento where story, acting, style and music all come together.
Verdict: 4 /5
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