Deep Red

We've seen this movie hundreds of times, but when we saw the new blu-ray release at the Trylon last October, we were blown away. There's a version of this movie that actually makes sense! Not that the nonsensicalness of the other version was overwhelming, but there are a few key scenes in the Italian dub version that make things fall together in very satisfying ways after having wondered “why?” for so many years.

The plot unfolds something like this: While walking home from the bar Marcus, sees his downstairs neighbor in her apartment window pleading for help. He rushes to her rescue, but he's too late. Haunted by the circumstances of her death, he takes a personal interest in solving her murder. With the help of a plucky reporter he'll uncover more truth than he bargned for as they follow a bloody trail to the killer's identity.

Creative kills: Decapitation by necklace. Drowning in a tub of scalding water. 

Things to watch for: Long drawn out closeups of children's toys rotating around, scenes that are shot so wide that the entire planet seems devoid of people (save the one we're focused on), bloody death scenes, and creepy kid's drawings.

The score: This is one of Tim's favorite Italian horror scores and his absolute favorite Goblin score. Entertaining from start to finish, and less prog-rock than their other scores, you can listen to as an album and never guess it has anything to do with a movie. (This score is also marks the first time Goblin worked with Argento.)

Special effects: Carlo Rambaldi (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, Close Encounters of the Third Kind)

Why we love it: This is one of the only Giallo films that mostly makes sense, is plentily gory, visually stunning, and has a stellar soundtrack all in the same film. Deep Red is the mark you hope all the other Giallo will reach, but most fall short, especially in the sense making department.

Version to watch: Italian dub with English subtitles.