Day 27. Released in Italy in 1976 “Deep Red” is a slickly stylized horror film directed by the great Dario Argento. “Deep Red” is categorized within the Italian “Giallo” genre of filmmaking. Films that fall under the “Giallo” umbrella gained mainstream recognition for auteurs such as Argento and his mentor Mario Bava. Running themes in this genre are mystery and horror mixed together. With the killers usually wearing black leather gloves in them.
David Hemmings, who also starred in the classic film “Blow Up” portrays the lead character ‘Marcus Daly’. Daria Nicolodi plays ‘Gianna’. “Deep Red” also stars Gabriele Lavia as ‘Carlo’, Macha Meril as ‘Helga’, and a wonderful cast of others.
During the credits we see the shadows against the wall of two people struggling, with one ultimately meeting their demise. In a cool way of framing the shot the camera was essentially placed on the ground, and a knife and only the legs and feet of the killer is revealed. That creative type of filmmaking is what makes Dario Argento’s work so great. We are then taken to the European Congress on Parapsychology. I like how the camera is using the POV (point of view) technique while moving into the lecture on telepathy which is occurring. Argento’s utilization of the different camera angles transcends “Deep Red” above the typical slasher movie. His uses of the color red during these scenes along with the shot of the lecturers from behind were excellent. The psychic’s freak out was pretty jarring. A bit later we cut to a mysterious persons POV stalking the psychic, then looking at various items which are placed against a black backdrop. Now at home the psychic discusses her recent experience with someone over the phone. Being so artfully done and using so many cinematic techniques, it’s easy to become completely entranced by what you are seeing on screen. Don’t get me wrong though, the attacks and killings throughout “Deep Red” are brutal and extremely visceral. It was cool during the first attack not being able to see the entire profile of the killer upping the ante on the tension.
Walking down the street that night we are introduced to a musician named Marcus. He meets up with his buddy Carlo. His friend drowns his sorrow in alcohol and waxes poetic about music and playing the piano. They hear a startling scream, but blow it off. Looking up towards a window, Marcus witnesses a murder, races up there to help, but is too late. A little bit later while talking to a detective we learn the psychics name was Helga. Suddenly Gianna a journalist appears at the scene of the crime.Gianna clues us in to a little bit more of Helga’s history. The following day Marcus and Gianna are driving together, making small talk. At the theater where the lecture from earlier in the movie was being held, Marcus and Giana do some investigating. Marcus then goes to Carlo’s house. It is there we meet Carlo’s creepy mother. Not finding his friend at home, Marcus locates Carlo and discovers a secret. Later that night Marcus practices on the piano and is interrupted by a strange song he hears in his house. He also become frightened and is convinced that he is not alone. The camera movements and coverage was top notch. Marcus then goes out to investigate the song and its origin. With more murders occurring Marcus must find out the identity of the killer, before he becomes the next victim.
I fully recommend “Deep Red”. This movie is just dripping with style. From the interesting use of the various cinematic techniques, to the scares, and great music, I love everything about this film. While watching it you can definitely see Argento’s influence over many of this generations current filmmakers. It is packed with a good amount of unsettling imagery, with the scene that is portrayed on the film’s poster being one of them. “Deep Red” is filled with gore and suspense. Even though it was released in the 70′s, it by no means feels dated. Any lover of classic Italian films or the horror genre should see this movie.
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