I watched Cat o’ Nine Tails and I really liked it! 4/5
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Dario Argento’s Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971) is the second film in his “Animal Trilogy,” and while it doesn’t carry quite the same iconic status as some of his other giallo entries, it still delivers a solid and suspenseful experience. With a more straightforward plot than The Bird with the Crystal Plumage, Argento showcases his growing confidence as a filmmaker, bringing his signature style to a twisty murder mystery that entertains, even if it sometimes feels less daring or experimental compared to his later work.
The story revolves around a blind puzzle maker, Franco Arno (Karl Malden), and a reporter, Carlo Giordani (James Franciscus), who become embroiled in a complex series of murders tied to a genetic research institute. It begins with Franco overhearing a suspicious conversation outside the institute, and from there, the two characters uncover a labyrinth of secrets, leading to a series of gruesome deaths. As the mystery deepens, Cat o’ Nine Tails keeps audiences guessing, offering a healthy dose of red herrings and unexpected twists.
One of the film’s most significant strengths lies in its characters. Karl Malden, known for his Academy Award-winning performance in A Streetcar Named Desire, brings warmth and relatability to the role of Franco Arno. His character, though blind, is sharp and resourceful, and Malden’s portrayal gives the film a touch of emotional depth that’s sometimes lacking in Argento’s other more style-driven films. His dynamic with Franciscus’ Carlo creates a kind of unconventional investigative duo. Carlo serves as the classic “straight man” to Franco’s more introspective and vulnerable persona, and the way they play off each other adds an engaging human element to the film’s otherwise dark and ominous tone.
Visually, Cat o’ Nine Tails bears the Argento hallmarks: tight, suspenseful camerawork, inventive angles, and an eye for the macabre. While it doesn’t quite reach the dizzying visual heights of Suspiria or Deep Red, there’s a sleekness to its execution. The murders are meticulously crafted, with the camera lingering just long enough to unsettle without resorting to excess. The film’s aesthetic is enhanced by Ennio Morricone’s score, which, while more understated than some of his other collaborations with Argento, still adds a rich, atmospheric layer to the tension. Morricone’s use of dissonant strings and eerie melodies complements the lurking danger that permeates each scene.
That said, the film isn’t without its weaknesses. The pacing can be uneven at times. Argento, still early in his career, seems more focused on the mystery elements here than on the visceral horror or the surreal set-pieces that would come to define his later work. This means that while the film is engaging, it doesn’t quite have the same intense, sensory impact as his best. Some moments, particularly in the middle act, feel padded and could have been tightened to maintain momentum. Additionally, the plot’s reliance on genetics as a key component of the mystery, while intriguing, is never fully fleshed out, leaving some of its more scientific aspects feeling somewhat underdeveloped or perfunctory.
The film’s ending, however, is a satisfying payoff. Argento manages to keep the audience in suspense until the final reveal, and the climactic confrontation, set atop a precarious rooftop, is classic Argento in its tension and execution. While it may not have the mind-bending horror of his later films, it offers a thrilling conclusion to an otherwise measured mystery.
In summary, Cat o’ Nine Tails is a solid entry in the giallo genre and an early indication of Argento’s burgeoning talent. While it may not be as groundbreaking or as visually stunning as some of his later works, it still offers enough intrigue, style, and suspense to make it worth watching. For those who appreciate a more subdued, mystery-driven thriller with a touch of Argento’s signature flair, Cat o’ Nine Tails delivers an entertaining ride, even if it doesn’t quite hit the heights of his other masterpieces.