Deep Red

[Al]

I was looking at the new review chart on DVDTimes and noticed that my review of Deep Red (www.dvdtimes.org.uk/index.cgi?page=Review&id=365&story=2325) was included. Clicking on the link, I was surprised to discover that the reader ratings for the film itself were very poor. My review basically covers everything I wanted to say about what I consider to be one of the finest examples of Argento's work but I wonder what other forum members actually think of the film? Would anyone like to comment? I'm very curious to know.

[Dagada]

I think it's one of the best horror/crime films ever made! I have a feeling people dismiss it due to the dreaded "Argento" tag without having seen it. Also, many prints are poor.

[Shingster]

I really like the film, it just oozes class. Definitely Argentos best imo. Also, the scenes in the abandoned mansion are a masterclass in suspense.
Is it just me, or does anyone think that Carpenter was heavily influenced by this film when he made Halloween??

[monkeyman]

Shingster
Strangely enough,Carpenter has actually admitted on more than one occasion that the look of Halloween was actually heavily influenced by Argentos Suspiria!
Deep Red is certainly one of the best Horror/Thrillers ever made,certainly in my top 20 films of all time!!!!!!
But then,as a committed Argento fan Im obviously biased!!!

[Dagada]

I love this film too - although there are a couple of dodgy special effects. I agree that people seem to think that the worst of Argento's work is illustrative of all of his work and so disniss it out of hand. Show them this or Tenebrae and I would say a lot would be suprised.

[Narshty]

Originally posted by Dagada
there are a couple of dodgy special effects.

The final gore effect is atrocious! Talk about a shop dummy!

[adamvbarker]

The fact that the script is so bad (in either language) and some of the performances pretty dodgy mean that for me it's never going to be a great film, despite some stunning visual sequences that are very beautiful and creepy (and look lovely on dvd)

Bad script and acting also mean that theres no believable psychology, and therefore no reason to care whodunnit or why.

There's no doubt, however, that its scary sequences have had a big influence on later films.

[Dagada]

Bear in mind, though, that this is a Giallo film - Meaning "Pulp". It's supposed to be the equvalent of a cheap thriller, but the style with which Argento has pulled it off is quite something. Personally, I don't think the script and acting are all that bad compared to some things I've seen recently - Planet Of The Apes step forward. David Hemmings is superb.

I don't know - I agree that Argento makes films that are sometimes deeply flawed, and at worst laughable, but for some reason some of his films just work for me. I still don't understand how people are calling Sleepless a "return to form". I giggled my way through it after the initial scene on the train.