Dario Argento: Master of Horror is a worthy statement when one has to describe this Italian director, who is best known for his giallo and other movie horrors. Being one of the greatest’s representatives of this genre in the cinema, Argento’s extensive experience is associated with the creation of masterpieces still in demand and defining the very concept of horror.
About Dario Argento
Dario Argento was born on 7 September 1940, in Rome, Italy. Initially, he worked as a critic and screenwriter before shifting his focus on directing. His films are known for their bizarre plots, stylized violence, vivid color and haunting music.
Main Elements of Argento’s Style
- Giallo Influence: A sub-genre that incorporates murder mystery, psychological thriller and slasher elements.
- Surreal Imagery: A strong use of dream-like images and strong contrast colors.
- Music: Regular partnerships with composer Ennio Morricone and the band Goblin, remembered for their namesake-like grotesque music.
- Elements: The ubiquitous ideas of art, madness and voyeurism.
Notable Films by Dario Argento
1. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
- A classic giallo, Argento’s first feature film.
- Plot: A writer sees an attempted murder and gets involved in the chain of murders.
- Significance: Set a trend for many of giallo’s attributes like the black gloved killer and twisted mystery narratives.
2. Suspiria (1977)
- Probably his most well known work.
- Plot: A ballet student discovers an underground coven of witches at her school.
- Importance: Acclaimed for its opera level visuals, rich colors and the brilliant score by Goblin.
- Cultural significance: This film is commonly considered one of the best horror films ever made.
3. Deep Red (Profondo Rosso) (1975)
- An archetypical giallo work of art.
- Plot: A murder takes place, and the pianist that played at it seeks the murderer, only to find out some unbelievable facts.
- Importance: Not only includes suspense, but also impressive assassination techniques and also includes music by Goblin that will stay in the listener’s head.
4. Inferno (1980)
- Related specifically in theme to Suspiria.
- Plot: The search for the supernatural and the frightful myth of the “Three Mothers”.
- Importance: Provides a vividly touching the continuity of the otherworldly ideas of Suspiria.
5. Tenebrae (1982)
- A film about giallo and its features.
- Plot: An writer gets unwittingly caught up in a string of murders based on his books.
- Importance: Successfully juxtaposes stylish direction with incisive commentary on media violence.
6. Phenomena (1985)
- And a horror-fantasy hybrid with Jennifer Connelly in the lead role.
- Plot: A girl who communicates with the insects and helps in catching a killer who committed a number of horrible murders.
- Significance: This film is interesting since it incorporates supernatural elements and has the traditional giallo hybrid.
7. Opera (1987)
- This one is a slasher. Set in the world of opera.
- Plot: Terrorized by a disturbed man a sadistic killer a young singer.
- Significance: American release all in its form and featuring some of the most intense sequences and set pieces by Argento.
Legacy and Influence
A number of filmmakers too owes their influence Andrez Argento similarly followed by horror veterans Oh John Carpenter, Guillermo del Toro, and Edgar Wright. His films have attained cult status at horror fests and film revivals for their visual beauty and disorientation.
Awards and Honors
- Lifetime Achievement Award; Venice Film Festival 2021.
- Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for contributions as a horror maestro.
- Many more accolades from genre festivals including Sitges and fantasporto.
Recent Work
- Dark Glasses (Occhiali Neri) (2022): After which, the filmmaker steps to the other world of giallo where the woman who is visually impaired is pursued by a serial killer.
- Retains prominence by mentoring and producing contemporary horror film directors.
Where to Watch Argento’s Movies
Shudder, Arrow Player or Criterion Channel are platforms that provide access to several of Argento’s films, which have been impeccably restored for today’s audience.
In The Event That Argento Is Your Cup Of Tea
Here are the films and the names of the directors to be researched:
- Mario Bava: Diana and Black Lace, Kill, Baby… Kill!.
- Lucio Fulci: The Beyond, Zombie.
- Guillermo Del Toro: Crimson Peak, Pan’s Labyrinth.
- Brian De Palma: Dressed to Kill, Blow Out.