Dario Argento
Film Review: Dark Glasses
Now into his 80s, Dario Argento was one of the most visionary, distinctive and inventive filmmakers working in genre cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. While his output has slowed down somewhat over the years, he’s still writing and directing. Although he’s approached his subjects from slightly different angles, the Italian maestro’s output is instantly …
Blu-Ray Review: Tenebrae
Sometimes life is stranger than fiction, but usually it’s the other way round. Occasionally, true events correspond closely to the story of a book, film or TV programme. These copycats usually become obsessed with the source material and feel driven to act on some perverse compulsion. Thankfully, these cases are rare, but are also fascinating …
Blu-Ray Review: Demons 1 & 2
Dario Argento was hugely influential on Italian horror cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As well as being responsible for some of the most iconic and exciting genre movies of that era, he was also instrumental in helping many of his fellow countryman. One such recipient was Lamberto Bava, son of Mario, who he collaborated …
Blu-Ray Review: Opera
The opera, like theatre and the ballet, is a place where emotions run high and passions can overflow. It’s a stage for the greatest romances, the funniest comedy and the harshest tragedies. An arena to experience your wildest dreams and endure your greatest nightmares. It’s can also be a boiling pot of jealousy, danger and …
Blu-Ray Review: The Cat O’ Nine Tails
As Ana Lily Amirpour discovered to her cost last year, following up on a critically acclaimed debut can be a tricky business. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night was widely lauded, and for good reason. However, her second film, The Bad Batch, was at best messy. The ‘sophomore slump’ has afflicted many directors, most …
Blu-Ray Review: Phenomena
Dario Argento describes Phenomena as his favourite film. Free from the usual restraining elements of family or collaborators, he allows his imagination and inventiveness to run riot. Whilst this makes for a much more surreal and innovative experience, it’s fair to say that it’s not one of his most cohesive or coherent films he’s made. …
Blu-ray Review: Deep Red
One of my favourite horror films of all time is Dario Argento’s Suspiria. It’s fair to say that nothing else he’s done quite lived up to it, but with Opera and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage he came prety close. Deep Red was originally referred to as Suspiria 2, and whilst that’s in many …