Deep Red

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat flawed, but visually strong and highly entertaining
Review: Plot Synopsis: Marc witnesses the murder of his upstairs neighbor. He and a reporter, Gianna, attempt to find the killers identity. The killer continues to strike, and it becomes clear that Marc is one of the intended victims.

I have a number of minor problems with this film, which I'll discuss upfront. Most significantly the investigation portions of the film are not fully satisfying, because Marc and Gianna always seem to find the next step through incredibly lucky guessing and/or unlikely coincidence. For example prior to an attempted murder Marc hears a creepy little song playing, and while investigating it learns of a reputedly haunted house which was known for having creepy children's music emanating from it. Naturally, this house turns out to be crucial to the investigation. It is an extraordinary bit of luck on their part to come across this information, and it's pretty much par the course for this film as they blindly stumble from one unlikely clue to the next. Personally, this is just inherently unsatisfying, and strikes me as a bit lazy, as if they didn't think it worth the time or effort to come up with any truly plausible way for them to solve the case. But, this only really bothered me in retrospect, so it likely won't both you while you're watching it. Although I already knew before viewing the film, so I don't know if this would have applied to me, I suspect most people will have no difficulty guessing who the killer is. (Primarily because there are so few characters in the film that they aren't many options) Still, this doesn't matter much, as most of the enjoyment is found in how the film is presented more than the plot. Pacing is occasionally a bit of a problem, as Gianna and Marc tend to go on about nothing in particular. I don't think it ever really gets boring, but it would've been tenser and more involving had they sped it up a little. The acting and dubbing in this film are competent if not really remarkable. None of the protagonists are all that appealing, really, but the interest in the murders and the mystery alone are sufficient to make you involved in the film. The music is a tad hit and miss. The main theme is very good, but there is one recurring theme which is used for some of the murder scenes which simply doesn't work. It's too peppy and happy sounding. Still, it's generally at least pretty good. It also deserves some credit for being fairly different from most soundtracks you'll here, as it is some weird atmospheric-synth-jazz stuff. Still, despite these few flaws this film is consistently watchable and entertaining.

Though not as visually accomplished as his next film, Suspiria, this is still a highly stylized and visually appealing film. In this film the emphasis is more on novel camera angles and movements then on unusual set design and lighting, but it's still quite striking visually.(and the more flamboyant Suspiria style visuals wouldn't really be appropriate anyway.) Argento uses very nice and rather creepy perspective shots. I'm also particularly found of the scenes of the camera creeping about what we presume to be the killers house, viewing various items.

The murder/death scenes are very nicely done and are one of the highlights of the film. Although not extremely gory by modern day standards, they are quite vicious and intense, and are cleverly shot and staged. They also manage to bring out the inherent horror in violence which is so often lacking, intentionally or unintentionally. That is to say, the murders seem very, very painful, which is more affecting than just having them be very gory. It also manages to generate some genuine tension prior to the murders.The second killing is especially effective in this manner. I also really like the use of the killers creepy calling cards.(the song, the doll, drawings etc.)

Anyway. This is good stuff. Check it out.


Rating:
Summary: Uh...strange!
Review: When a psychic mind reader picks up on the thoughts of a murderer, little did he know that he'd soon become a victim! An english pianist gets involved in solving the murders, but finds many of his avenues of inquiry cut off by new murders, and he begins to wonder how the murderer can track his movements so closely...