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Oct 20th:

 

Opera (1987)

Description:

Opera is a 1987 Italian horror movie. It stars Cristina Marsillach and Ian Charleson. It was directed by Dario Argento (who also directed Suspiria (1977) and many other horror films).

 

A young opera singer agrees to be in the play Macbeth but is soon stalked by a mysterious killer.

 

Review:

This is a wild ride.

 

Dario Argento is one of my favorite directors. I was excited to see this film and I wasn't disappointed. The camera work is unique and captivating. The movie begins through the eyes of a crow. The bird symbolizes death and this film is full of that. If you think Bone Tomahawk (2015) was brutal, wait till you see the murder scenes in this one.

 

The deaths looked so realistic that it made me queasy. Usually, it's obvious in horror movies who is going to die that it's almost comical. In this film, I was afraid to see how brutal the next death was going to be. I won't spoil anything, but the ending wasn't predictable for me. I'm glad I was wrong.

 

The characters were a bit annoying at times and I was shocked that the main character didn't seem very traumatized even though she was witnessing deaths the entire time. Other than that and some heavy 80's music that pops up, I can't say anything else negative. Brian Eno and Roger Eno (legends) composed some of the music for the soundtrack that fits unsettlingly well.

 

Rating:

Once again, I loved the camera work. It takes you on a surreal journey that you can't escape. The way the camera swirls when the characters are losing control is brilliant. 

 

If you don't mind some graphic violence then I highly recommend this film. This movie isn't just horror, its art. I also recommend checking out Deep Red (1975) and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970). 

 

9 Crows out of 10

 

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