SHARKFORUM: OPINION WITH TEETH

Simone, speaking of a "visually hypnotic thriller," I just saw Suspiria and was wondering what you thought about this film since you're a fan of horror. Kevin Freitas

K- I'm a huge fan of Argento and Suspiria is one of my favorites of his. (I'll actually be teaching it this semester in a course on the Horror Film). Sharing similar iconography as Suspiria is the follow-up, Inferno, which has some wonderful underwater shots, though it's inferior to Suspiria. My favorite of Argento's is Opera, which is much more in the slasher tradition; it has some opening operatic photography that's worth seeing whether one is a fan of the genre or not. Phenomena which was chopped and retitled Creepers in the U.S. (with a young Jennifer Connelly) has one of the best and most unexpected death scenes in horror history. Then there's the excellent Tenebrae and Deep Red. The only Argento I'd steer clear of is Phantom of the Opera. Are you a fan as well, or just of Suspiria? A great soundtrack as well, yes?

Yes, killer soundtrack! - no pun intended.. What was the name of the group, Daeomania? Anyway, Argento is a new discovery so thank you for the other film recommendations. I was trying to imagine the effort and technical magistery, the incredible lighting - reds, greens, yellows - like looking through a prism - that it took to make this film. Fascinating! A film that resonates on so many different levels. Kevin Freitas ps loved the MC Escher wallpaper in the little office area

Hi again Kevin--

The band was called "The Goblins"--they did quite a few of the soundtracks for Argento. I think Daemonia was a later offshoot formed by one of the original members of the Goblins, Simonetti. Definitely watch Opera, Deep Red, and Tenebre, and let me know what you think.

cheers,

simone