“You have killed and you will kill again!”
Italian Horror Meets Murder Mystery in Dario Argento's Deep Red
Dario Argento's 1975 Deep Red (Profondo Rosso) stands as a defining example of Italian giallo cinema. The film follows a British jazz pianist who witnesses a brutal murder and becomes entangled in solving the crime, working alongside an investigative reporter to unravel a mystery involving childhood trauma, psychic phenomena, and a series of increasingly violent murders. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Golden Jubilee: 1975's Pioneering Visions in Global Cinema series with a conversation about Deep Red.
Defining the Giallo Style
Andy provides essential context about giallo films, explaining their origins in yellow-covered Italian crime novels and their evolution into a distinct cinematic style. The hosts discuss how Deep Red exemplifies classic giallo elements: black-gloved killers, elaborate murder sequences, and psychological complexity, while adding Argento's distinctive visual approach.
Visual Language and Cinematography
The conversation delves deep into Argento's unique visual approach, particularly his use of extreme close-ups and creative camera movements. Pete and Andy analyze memorable sequences, including the "knife cam" technique and the record player scene, discussing how these elements contribute to the film's unsettling atmosphere.
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