Suspiria is a great example of a talented director valuing style over substance. The film is a critical darling among horror fans, ranking within the top twenty five on most lists of the hundred greatest horror films ever made. Released in the 70's by European visionary Dario Argento, it tells the relatively simple tale of a young aspiring american student who travels to Europe to attend a prestigious dance academy. Once she arrives on the rainy dark continent creepy things ensue. With a wonderfully creepy score and amazing set decoration the movie immediately pulls you inn. Sadly though story doesn't exactly seem to be the biggest priority for Mr. Argento. With little to no character development the film essentially wastes the films many good quality's. Its filled with great cinematography and great costumes but that isn't enough to keep this viewer engaged for a good amount of time. The films also feels like it loses its momentum in the last act when the heroine is confronted by a supreme evil. Overall I was impressed by Argento's style as a filmmaker, I guess he just needs better material to work from then this.
C
1977
Surrealism is not something we see very often in horror films. Here, it IS the film. Awash in darkly colorful, almost psychosexual macabre hues of blue, green and blood red, Suspiria is all about the cinematic orgasm of violence, color, music and set design. Argento is interior decorator/director. This film makes its point by breaking us down through a masterful horror score by The Goblins and by Argentos surrealist instincts(which never waiver). Again and again, he lets his sets and colors dictate the menace and the madness. The climax is a letdown and not nearly as unsettling or creepy as the build up. The acting is absolutely terrible and laughable at best. Still, this is an original and impressive piece. I suspect I have yet to see the best film from this giallo master.
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Well put. You should write more. This reads like a piece I'd find on metacritic (compliment).
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