(dir. Dario Argento)
*First time viewing
Few
directors can so successfully break down the rules of story logic and character
advancement in service of the image and still create a gripping film like Dario
Argento. He doesn’t just make movies, rather he creates orchestras of horror. Inferno is a thematic sequel to Suspiria, continuing the tale of “The
Three Mothers.” Seeing Suspiria isn’t
required to understand Inferno, but
watching both does add an interesting layer of mythology (and Suspiria is a masterpiece that should be
watched regardless). The story takes place in Rome and New York and follows two
siblings as they separately try to uncover the secret purpose of an apartment
building housing something ancient and evil.
Argento routinely
places visuals above story. While this can be problematic at times, his visuals
are like no other director in the genre. His stylistic use of lighting and
color (aided by cinematographer Romano Albani) creates a palette not commonly
seen in horror movies. Inferno is
less narratively succinct than Suspiria
and story-wise Argento doesn’t stretch himself much. Some of the plot points
become muddled and there are shifts in character perspectives that only serve
the orchestration of clever killings. Still, this has little effect on the
overall quality of the movie. It’s occasionally messy story only serves to
enhance the dreamlike quality of the film as it builds to a frantically paced
finale. Coupled with the soundtrack by Keith Emerson, Inferno is gorgeously surreal and occasionally dizzying in its
attempt to stun.
Scare Factor: 3/5 Dario Argento is one of the masters
of horror and his style is unmistakable. While Inferno takes some time to build, the unique and well-choreographed
death scenes are worth waiting for. It’s style over substance done the right way.
**Available to watch on Hulu.
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