Italy has given us some great things in it's time, pizza, beautiful architecture and giallo films. Giallo is an Italian genre of slasher films, usually taking elements from the supernatural and crime fiction and often characterized by graphic violence, themes of sexuality and stylish cinematography. Although not as prominent in modern cinema, giallo films were extremely popular in the 70's and 80's by directors such as Mario Bava and Dario Argento. Although many giallo films have been criticized for weak acting and sometimes confusing narratives, they have generally been praised for their style and their suspense. The following list is 7 of the greatest giallo films that I have seen (and I must stress that last part as there are most likely ones just as good that I haven't seen), enjoy!
7. The New York Ripper (1982, Lucio Fulci)
Lucio Fulci has always been considered a very controversial director mainly due to his excessive use of onscreen violence, and The New York Ripper is arguably his most controversial. Criticized for it's brutal display of violence towards women, the film follows Lieutenant Fred Williams (Jack Hedley) on the case of a homicidal maniac who, for some reason, talks like Donald Duck. This sleazy slasher flick is perhaps one of Fulci's most graphic films due to it's emphasis on sexuality and violence and, like most giallo films, contains pretty bad dubbing. However, The New York Ripper contains many elements that make giallo films so great from the black-gloved killer to it's tense chase scenes, along with Fulci's own realistic film making style that contrasts other, more stylish films of the genre.
6. Tenebrae (1982, Dario Argento)
The most prominent directors on the list and personally one of my favourite horror film director's of all time, Argento was not the first person to make a giallo film but he certainly made some of the best and earned himself the title of "the Italian Hitchcock". Tenebrae is a great example of why Argento deserves this title. It follows horror writer Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa) travelling to Rome to promote his latest novel only to discover that there's a killer on the loose imitating murders from his works. What makes this film so great is it's twist ending that I won't spoil as it's too good, and how Argento manages to execute this onscreen. Full of twists and turns, Tenebrae may not be Argento's most popular films but it's framing and camerawork has influenced many directors including Brian De Palma.
5. Blood and Black Lace (1964, Mario Bava)
Mario Bava is often considered to be the father of giallo films as his works have characterized the genre and influenced later film makers like the previously mentioned Argento and Fulci. His 1964 thriller Blood and Black Lace is a prime example of how Bava gave the genre it's characteristics from the colourful lighting and the mysterious, black-gloved killer. The film follows a mysterious killer who stalks and kills fashion models in order to obtain a mysterious diary. This early giallo is definitely one of the most influential films of the genre and one of the highlights of Mario Bava's extensive career.
4. Don't Torture a Duckling (1972, Lucio Fulci)
An early work of Lucio Fulci and a noteable one as it was one of the first films in which he began to use his now infamous violent gore effects. Set in a small Italian town, the film follows a number of mysterious child murders that many believe have been committed by a reclusive gypsie who uses black magic. Journalist Andrea Martelli (Tomas Milian) begins to research the case and uncovers the grim truth behind the murders. The film is often considered to be one of the most significant films of Fulci's career, dealing with themes such as religion and sin along with controversial subject matters such as child murder. Don't Torture a Duckling is a must see for any fan of the giallo genre.
3. Profondo Rosso (1975, Dario Argento)
The films English title is Deep Red but I think the original Italian title just sounds much cooler. Profondo Rosso follows jazz musician Marcus Daly (David Hemmings) who becomes involved in a murder investigation after baring witness to one of the murders. What follows is a suspenseful tale of family and murder that had me on the edge of my seat for it's entirety. The film is a noteable entry in Argento's carrer as it marks the beginning of his frequent collaboration with Italian prog rock band Goblin who did the films score. It also highlights Argento's skills as a director as he makes excellent use of a moving camera. Profondo Rosso is not only one of Argento's most significant works but also one of the highlight's of the genre itself.
2. Suspiria (1977, Dario Argento)
Ok so I'm a bit obsessed with this film myself and was tempted to even give it the top spot but after consideration I had to give it second place. Suspiria is undoubtedly the highlight of Dario Argento's career and contains some of the most beautiful production design and cinematography that I've ever seen. The film follows ballet dancer Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) as she enrolls in a prestigious German dance school, however with a string of mysterious murders occurring Suzy suspects that not all is well at the academy. I'll never forget my first time watching Suspiria as it gave me so many chills, from it's eerie soundtrack by Goblin to it's gothic and surreal production design, the film builds up an chilling atmosphere that will leave many viewers uneasy. The film is as beautiful as it is haunting, often delving into the world of the supernatural while maintaining the characteristics of a standard giallo film. Not only is Suspiria Argento's best film but it is also one of the greatest horror films of all time.
1. A Bay of Blood (1971, Mario Bava)
Before Friday the 13th or Scream there was Mario Bava's 1971 giallo masterpiece A Bay of Blood. The film is often cited as being the primary influence of the slasher genre that emerged several years later. It follows a number murders committed by several individuals, all for their own personal gain. I've put this film as number one not only because it is one of the greatest giallo films of all time, but because of it's legacy. The film is thought to be one of the major contributions to the modern slasher genre that began almost a decade later and it's influence is evident in later films such as Friday the 13th: Part 2 and The Burning. Although initially met with criticism for it's brutal violence and being well known for it's variety of alternate titles, A Bay of Blood is a milestone in the history of horror cinema as, like Alfred Hitchock's Psycho, it helped to give birth to what we now know as the slasher genre. It is most certainly the greatest giallo of all time.
I hope now you'll check out these films if you haven't already, along with the countless other films in the genre. If you think I left out anything or have a personal favourite giallo film let me know in the comments. Until next time, ciao!
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