Dario Argento is
one of the most important names in Italian giallo cinema and some of his films
are classics of the genre. This new release from Arrow gives everyone the
chance to see where he started, with a crime giallo which is as stylish and
convoluted as one might expect from Argento.
The plot is based
on a Fredric Brown novel called The Screaming Mimi, and follows an
American writer, Sam (Tony Musante) who witnesses a stabbing in an art gallery.
The assailant escapes, and the victim, wife of the gallery owner Monica (Eva
Renzi), is only injured. There is a serial killer at large, picking off women
in Rome, and the police are interested in this latest attempt. The film then
follows Sam as his girlfriend Julia (Suzie Kendall) is attached, and he himself
receives death threats, until the mystery is unveiled at the end ...
As with Argento’s
later films Deep Red and Suspiria, The Bird with the Crystal
Plumage plays on reflections and brilliantly set up visuals. There are
touches of genius here as we see things in plain view which turn out to be
misdirections. There’s a smashing art deco staircase which echoes Suspiria’s
scenic design, and the murders are a panoply of close ups and terror. Even the
score, from Ennio Moricone, echoes future films with human sounds mixed in with
the disjointed jazz tempos as the killer chases their victims.
It’s a hugely
enjoyable film, with a plot that makes sense, and good performances from all
concerned. It’s actually hard to believe that it’s Argento’s directorial debut,
it’s that accomplished.
As usual on the Arrow
release there are interviews with all the major players, including a new
discussion with Argento himself on the film, and a very insightful narrative
from critic Kat Ellinger.
Directed: Dario Argento
Writer: Dario Argento
Arrow DVD released 19 June 2017
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