Dario Argento Double Feature: Deep Red and Suspiria

As stated in my last review of Demons... I'm heading into a double hitter of Dario Argento's films. I've only seen one of his movies, Inferno, which I liked, but I think Deep Red and Suspiria are generally considered better films, so I thought it was time to school myself.

Deep Red
(1975) [Full Movie]
Director: Dario Argento (IMDB)

Synopsis: A man witnesses the murder of his psychic neighbor which sends him into investigator mode as he tries to figure out who the killer is.

There are lots of things in this film that I really love.

#1: The soundtrack. It's awesome. It's not actually scary, but funky. It'd be good at a party to get down too... or... cut a rug too.

#2: The cinematography. This might be one of the prettiest horror movies ever.

#3: The reference in the film to this picture.

#4: The creepy ass toys and also that extremely scary puppet.. holy shit... the arm hairs stood up a little when that bastard came prancing across the screen.

#5 The pictures in the hallway... I want to own one. Talk about fine art.

I also enjoyed David Hemmings, who I dug in Blow-Up, but haven't seen in another movie since.

I don't know man... there's not a lot here that I didn't like, the pacing of the second half felt a little off at times, and there was one plot hole I noticed, but other then that it's perfect.

Suspiria
(1977) [Trailer]
Director: Dario Argento (IMDB)

Synopsis: A dancer enrolls into a ballet academy and realizes that her stay is about to get crazy as all is not what it seems.

This movie is definitely a mind fuck and I wouldn't recommened watching it on hallucinogenic drugs. Its not as gory as Deep Red but more weird and artful. It's main source of horror, for me, was provided through the use of sound and cinematography.

First the sound. I would recommend using headphones with this movie. I watched the first half of the film without them and had to constantly adjust the volume between the music and the dialog. The second half I watched with headphones on and it was intense. The score is extremely eerie and I think it's mixed loudly to make more of an impact. It helps ramp up the tension of the film and makes for a unique viewing experience.

Second the visuals. The cinematography in this is just as amazing as Deep Red. It's lends itself to an odd nightmarish state where nothing seems real, this is achieved through the use of bizarre lighting and a set piece (the school itself) that's unlike any thing I've seen in cinema. The closest comparisons I can think of might be Twin Peaks or The Shining.

The plot isn't ground breaking and like Deep Red I felt it had a few pacing issues, but nothing that came even close to ruining it. Again, another must watch for horror fans, especially if you like art house stuff and horror combined.

Demons

Demons
(1985) [Full Movie]
Director: Lamberto Bava (IMDB)

I've seen this film on a lot of peoples top horror movie lists, so I figured I'd check it out. Dario Argento presents this film and Mario Bava's son. Lamberto Bava, directed it. I've been on an Italian movie kick recently, with my last review being Mario Bava's Danger: Diabolik and my next two films up to bat being Suspiria and Deep Red... so if you don't like Italians, skip my reviews for a few days you racist.

Synopsis: A group of moviegoers get more then they bargained for when the movie they're watching starts to take place in real life.

This movie is a lot of fun and a pretty cool slice of 80's horror. It's pretty campy and has tons of gore, there are a few really great cringe worthy scenes scattered throughout. I always enjoy horror films where people are trapped in a location and there's some ominous presence trying to fuck them up, this film pulls that situation off masterfully. There are a few absurd moments, one mainly involving a helicopter, but I'll save you from any spoilers. I'd check this out if you get the chance, especially recommended for fans of horror.

Danger: Diabolik

Danger Diabolik
(1968) [Trailer]
Director: Mario Bava (IMDB)

I'm sitting on a bus from DC to New York right now and decided to kill some time. I had a copy of Diabolik and thought... why not. I didn't know a lot going into this, I just knew Mario Bava (who I'm fond of) directed it and Ennio Morricone (who is my favorite composer) did the score. I had read some praises for it online as well, so I was hoping for a good time... was that time spent wisely... I will tell you now.

Synopsis: Diabolik is a super criminal who is pretty fucking rad and pulls off lots of heists in Italy.

Wow.... this blew me away with awesomeness. I dare you to watch the first ten minutes of this movie and tell me it's not one of the coolest films ever made. I loved everything I saw on screen and was like a parasite just wanting more and more of it as I went along.
What rules about this:

1. The score is bad ass. I want it as theme music to my life.
2. The cinematography is over the top, in a great way. Lots of quick zooms, close ups, and first person shots... plus grand views of Italy.
3. Diabolik and his girlfriend, both are totally hot together, can you say "power couple"?
4. The heists: everyone of them are unique and really fun to watch unfold.
5. Diabolik's hideout... it might be one of the greatest set pieces in film history.

I can't sing enough praises about this movie, in my opinion it's a must see for any fan of Tarantino or Wes Anderson or film in general. My only complaint is that I watched it on my laptop and not on a big screen... call me Nostradamus cause I see a re-watch in my future.