Films such as Lucio Fulci’s A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin (1971) and Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972), Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks on High Heels (1971), Dario Argento’s Deep Red (1975), and Lamberto Bava’s A Blade in the Dark (1983) would provide classic Giallo fodder for filmgoers through the decades. By the time you reach the end the motivation comes clear as the most basic of human drives, and it closes out on the blackest of comedic notes. In terms of genre, gialli run a diverse gambit of horror, drama, mystery, and thriller. Argento and cinematographer Luciano Tovoli compose masterful black gloved POV murder set pieces that are career bests, an impeccable ensemble anchored by the ever personable John Saxon and Anthony Franciosa, and featuring perhaps Claudio Simonetti’s greatest theme. Argento’s debut is a masterclass in filmmaking technique and style, with the director borrowing heavily from his greatest influences, mainly Alfred Hitchcock and Mario Bava, and doing so with a confidence rarely seen from a first time director. The origin of the giallo sub genre (plural: gialli) is buried within the pages of the Italian, yellow (“giallo” means “yellow”) paperbacks, containing “whodunit” scenarios and other mysteries, which were published during the 20th century. A visually enticing combination of psychadelia and Satanic/black magic-infused elements, thrown in with a fantastically creepy blue-eyed stalker, definitely enhance the flavor in a cauldron of boiling confusion. All-girls school? Argento would go on to direct what is arguably the most well-know Italian horror movie to date, Suspiria. Mario Bava was on the verge of removing himself from the film business when he was struck with inspiration. Having no clue of what’s truly brewing underneath the facade makes Ruggero Deodato’s gritty gem all the more enthralling to watch. Stressing the more emotional aspects of deception and violence, Leather-gloved, knife-wielding killer? Stories usually crossed into psychological, paranormal/supernatural, or true crime realms – even crossing into more than one realm.In fact, film versions of the giallo started gaining traction during the 1960s, but their popularity wouldn’t fully flourish until the next decade. A detective (Adrien Brody) hunts for a vicious serial killer who has yellow skin. And here are ten giallo cherries to top off your melting sanguine sundae (list does not contain spoilers): Undercover Agent Michael Lawrence’s hard-as-nails attitude and dangerous exploits are quite reminiscent of a typical American crime drama – except it’s located in Lisbon, Portugal. And what could be more gialli than that?

At times, a plot can enter into unknown territory, and make you question whether a given event actually occurred. Even with a mystery surrounding one slain victim, it can remain incredibly difficult to rule out suspicious characters. But what sets them apart as a sub-genre are a slew of specific elements that form a stylish European murder mystery: candy-red gore, bad dubbing, black leather gloves, robes, knives, and POVs. All-girls school? Emilio Mirgalia paints a perverse picture of a wealthy widower named Lord Alan Cunningham, who tries to cope with his wife’s (Evelyn) untimely death by self-medicating through sodomizing women. Well, we have some suggestions. It’s a roller coaster that’s worth the wait. With the schoolgirls all murdered in the same gruesome manner, it’s up to Enrico to clear his name by finding the real the killer. Check. De Palma will never be the first name anyone associates with the sub-genre, but his work certainly shares many similar traits all while featuring a cast that is much more likely to resonate even with the most casual (American) moviegoer. His other family members – as well as his mistress – didn’t exactly hold the deceased in high regards, as reflected in flashbacks. A series of flashbacks trace the origins of his rage, the destruction of himself, as well as his destruction of others. So sit back, relax and enjoy the movies of Giallo. However, Blood and Black Lace isn’t an essential film for newbies because it’s the granddaddy of them all. Check. Since the death of her stillborn infant, nightmares have held Jane’s mind in captivity. ), Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll (1974) (Los ojos azules de la muñeca rota), A Blade in the Dark (1983) (La casa con la scala nel buio), Stephanie Malone, PO Box 152721, Austin, TX 78715. With a powerful, haunting opening, Sergio Martino invites you into Joan’s nightmare, which takes place in a grotto.

However, few managed to reach the heights of this treat because Bava was a horror master few filmmakers have ever come close to touching. Nor does it need any graphic bloodshed to prove its alluring, macabre appeal and intrigue. Keep reading for a look at the top ten giallo films for beginners as voted on by, If you’re going to dip into giallo, you gotta start with. As the genre grew through the 1970’s and 80’s it would begin to envelope all horror movies originating from Italy or it’s filmmakers. Sign up to receive weekly recaps of all Morbidly Beautiful posts, This is a post from one of our guest authors. We're always looking for people to contribute great content to our site and/or join our team of staff writers. I had the, The Suspiria Live Score by Claudio Simonetti and Goblin was one of those amazing shows that, until, Suspiria is a 1977 Italian horror film by Dario Argento. From the black gloves and twisted plot to garish color schemes and energetic camerawork, the film pulls viewers into its mystery by making the beautiful dangerous and the violence mesmerizing. It’s so much more than just a story filled with multiple homicides; instead, it reaches a mythical plane, transcending beyond the natural world. In terms of genre, gialli run a diverse gambit of horror, drama, mystery, and thriller. — big check. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is to gialli what Halloween is to the slasher. In this decadent tale, someone is murdering models and staff members, who were employed by a modeling agency owned by a former prostitute named Gloria. If you’re a fan of slasher flicks you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

In this one, an assailant is killing young boys in a rural superstitious town and everyone is a suspect. — Meg Shields, Leather-gloved, knife-wielding killer? Films such as Lucio Fulci’s A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin (1971) and Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972), Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks on High Heels (1971), Dario Argento’s Deep Red (1975), and Lamberto Bava’s A Blade in the Dark (1983) would provide classic Giallo fodder for filmgoers through the decades. Meanwhile, some slain bodies have turned up on castle grounds. It should therefore come as no surprise to know that Blood and Black Lace is also considered the prototype for American slasher films, having inspired the likes of John Carpenter. But what else do you expect in a town where the populace includes priests, junkies, and opportunistic crime reporters, all of whom have more than their fair share of skeletons in their closet. At its most basic, the sub-genre mashes mystery with slasher elements to create a whodunnit filled with violence, suspense, and characters threatened by an unseen madman, and Argento’s tale delivers a ridiculously compelling mystery offering numerous twists and violent revelations on its way to a stunner of an ending. In addition to this madness, Evelyn appears to be reaching out to her husband – from the grave. The story unfolds at a brisk pace and keeps you guessing throughout without ever descending into convolution. Dario Argento’s The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970) would be the next big film to carry the moniker. Learn how your comment data is processed. An obsession for pulp magazines had taken root, and after American International Pictures pitched him on the ludicrous screenplay, Bava saw the film as his opportunity to expand on this passion. By far, Pastore’s underrated giallo film shouldn’t be overlooked.