A film student with a habit of spying on his neighbors witnesses a murder one night and is quickly sucked into a web of seduction and danger. Can he help the police identify the killer before the killer identifies him? And what of his girlfriend who disapproves of this hobby? This film marks the thirteenth Dario Argento film I have seen. And while I can safely say he is my favorite horror director (and one of my favorite directors in general), this film is a weak spot on his impressive record. While the plot itself is somewhat weak, it could have worked as a tense, suspenseful giallo. Why didn't it? Many critics point to the fact this film was made for television, and surely this was a factor. The camera used was of less quality, and it comes off with a soap opera feel. But Argento tries to make this work: despite being on television, there is still some blood and a fair amount of nudity. Yet, it just doesn't hold my interest (or apparently many other people's).
I have heard some say that his "style" is different here, and that seems to be true. There are few shots that scream Argento. One close-up on some eyes, another scene with a flooding of color, but overall the film seems washed out with too much light and it just doesn't seem "movie" worthy. Oh, well.
True Argento fans will want to see and possibly own this one, but I can tell you with certainty: it is probably the worst film of his you will ever see. I own it, and I'm pleased about that, but I don't expect to give it much replay. The special features consist of a director bio and a behind the scenes that is in Italian, so unless you understand Italian it probably won't tell you much.
I have heard some say that his "style" is different here, and that seems to be true. There are few shots that scream Argento. One close-up on some eyes, another scene with a flooding of color, but overall the film seems washed out with too much light and it just doesn't seem "movie" worthy. Oh, well.
True Argento fans will want to see and possibly own this one, but I can tell you with certainty: it is probably the worst film of his you will ever see. I own it, and I'm pleased about that, but I don't expect to give it much replay. The special features consist of a director bio and a behind the scenes that is in Italian, so unless you understand Italian it probably won't tell you much.