The Films of DARIO ARGENTO
A Brief Look At The Work Of The Pioneer of Giallo
Dario Argento is an Italian film director, producer and screenwriter known for his work in the horror genre, particularly in the subgenre known as Giallo. He is considered one of the most influential horror directors of all time, and his films are characterized by their stylized violence, vivid use of colour, and striking use of music. In addition to his work in film, Argento has also written several books on the horror genre and has contributed to various film festivals and retrospectives.
Dario Argento is considered an important filmmaker for a number of reasons:
He is one of the pioneers of the giallo genre, a subgenre of Italian horror that is characterized by its stylized violence, vivid use of color, and striking use of music. His films, such as "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," "Deep Red," and "Suspiria," are considered some of the best examples of the genre.
He has a distinctive visual style, characterized by bold colors, elaborate set pieces, and striking camera work. He often employs the use of long tracking shots and sweeping crane shots to create a sense of unease and tension.
He has a strong sense of storytelling and pacing, building suspense and tension in his films, and often employing the use of twists and turns in the plot.
He has been very influential in the horror genre, his films have been cited as inspiration by many filmmakers and his influence can be seen in many contemporary horror films.
He has a deep understanding of the horror genre and its conventions, his films are not just a showcase of gore and violence but also an exploration of the psychological aspects of fear and the human psyche.
Overall, Dario Argento is considered an important filmmaker for his contributions to the giallo genre, his distinctive visual style, his storytelling and pacing, and his influence on the horror genre.
Dario Argento is a prolific filmmaker who has directed and produced over 20 feature films in his career. Some of his most notable films include:
"The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" (1970): This film is considered one of the first giallo films, and it established many of the conventions that would become associated with the genre. It tells the story of an American writer who witnesses a murder and becomes embroiled in a series of gruesome killings.
"Deep Red" (1975): This is considered one of Argento's best films and one of the greatest giallo films ever made. It tells the story of a jazz pianist who becomes embroiled in a series of murders connected to a psychic he met years before.
The plot of the film is known to be complex and non-linear with twists and turns, and it is known for its graphic violence and gore, which was considered controversial at the time of its release. The film also features a strong emphasis on the supernatural and the occult, which adds to the suspense and atmosphere of the film.
"Suspiria" (1977): This is another one of Argento's most famous films and it is known for its stylized violence, striking use of colour, and eerie soundtrack. It tells the story of a young ballet dancer who arrives at a prestigious academy, only to discover that it is run by a coven of witches.
The plot of the film is known for its eerie atmosphere, striking visuals, and graphic violence. The film also features strong elements of the supernatural and the occult, which adds to the suspense and atmosphere of the film. The film's score is also noteworthy, it was composed by Goblin, an Italian progressive rock band, which is considered one of the most iconic in horror movie history
Source: "Suspiria" (1977) "Tenebrae" (1982): This is another one of Argento's most famous giallo films, it tells the story of a horror novelist who finds himself embroiled in a series of murders that seem to be based on his own books.
Source: "Tenebrae" (1982) "Opera" (1987): This film tells the story of a young opera singer who becomes the target of a mysterious stalker. It is known for its elaborate set pieces and its use of live opera performances.
"Mother of Tears" (2007): This is the third film in a series of supernatural horror films that Argento began with "Suspiria" and "Inferno" in 1977 and 1980 respectively.
These are just a few of the many films that Dario Argento has directed and produced throughout his career, but they are considered some of his most important and influential works.