Monday, December 26, 2016

Tenebrae (1982)

"Tenebrae" has been among quite a few Dario Argento movies I have been meaning to check out for a while, but just haven't been in the right 'mindset'. I am far from a seasoned 'giallo' viewer - never totally getting 'into' them like some people, but occasionally finding one that is entertaining enough and "Tenebrae" is definitely one of the best I've seen, despite a few flaws.

A New York crime novelist becomes involved in a murder investigation while on a book tour in Rome after a young woman is found slain with pages from his latest work crammed down her throat. More victims begin turning up and the hunt is on for the elusive, ruthless killer who seems to be targeting people the writer has connections with...

Aside from a few exceedingly implausible moments, I thought the story and 'mystery' element was solid enough up until the ending, that is, which I found to be kind of a convoluted cluster-fuck - containing flashbacks and hazy motives. Thankfully, the climax didn't skimp on the gore, so it gets a definite 'pass' from me. The rest of the prior kills are pretty bloody too - involving razor-slashing and gruesome axe mutilations. Argento even includes his 'trademark' of sending a girls bloody head through a pane of glass. Good stuff. Little bit of nudity as well to round out a pretty damn entertaining 'giallo' entry. Definitely one of Argento's best that I've seen.

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