I watched Deep Red and I really liked it! 3.5/5
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Dario Argento’s Deep Red (or Profondo Rosso in its original Italian title) is a 1975 giallo film that stands out not only as one of the defining pieces of the genre but also as a visually stunning and atmospherically rich experience. With its gripping murder mystery, iconic music by Goblin, and hyper-stylized cinematography, Deep Red cements itself as an essential entry for fans of both horror and Italian cinema. However, for all its strong points, the film isn’t without its flaws. With some narrative pacing issues and overindulgence in style over substance, Deep Red ultimately walks a fine line between masterwork and slightly disjointed thriller.
Deep Red starts with a brutally effective hook. The murder of a psychic medium, Helga Ulmann, during a live demonstration immediately catapults the audience into Argento’s violent and mesmerizing world. We follow jazz pianist Marcus Daly (David Hemmings) who becomes entangled in solving the murder after witnessing Ulmann’s death firsthand. What unravels is a mystery filled with more murders, cryptic messages, and eerie clues as Marcus hunts the elusive killer. As he ventures deeper into the investigation, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its visual language. Argento’s attention to color, composition, and lighting is impeccable. The juxtaposition of vibrant colors with the gruesome violence creates a surreal atmosphere that heightens the tension in every scene. Argento’s signature use of tracking shots, combined with close-up details of the murders, creates an almost voyeuristic sense of involvement for the viewer. The stark contrast between the beauty of the visuals and the horror of the murders is striking and unsettling. Argento knows how to paint a macabre picture, and Deep Red is no exception.
The score, composed by progressive rock band Goblin, is another standout element of Deep Red. The pulsating, eerie synthesizers perfectly complement the movie’s aesthetic. It’s impossible to separate the haunting melody from the imagery it accompanies. The score’s electric energy intensifies the murders, giving the film a rhythmic heartbeat that follows the audience long after the credits roll. It’s one of those rare scores that elevates the material and becomes part of the narrative’s soul.
David Hemmings, known for his work in Blow-Up, brings a solid performance as the amateur sleuth, Marcus. He plays his role with a quiet intensity, unraveling the mystery with believable intrigue and vulnerability. His pairing with Daria Nicolodi (Gianna), a quirky journalist who helps him in his investigation, offers a refreshing dynamic. Their chemistry adds moments of lightness to an otherwise grim story, but at times, their back-and-forth feels slightly forced and detracts from the overall tension.
As with many Argento films, the plot of Deep Red can feel convoluted at times. The story takes several detours, and some plot points feel underdeveloped or conveniently tied up. The pacing, too, suffers from moments where the film slows down unnecessarily, especially during the second act. While these slower moments allow for some character development, they do little to propel the mystery forward and end up feeling like padding.
Additionally, Argento’s tendency to prioritize style over substance can be both a blessing and a curse. While his visual and auditory flair is on full display, the emotional depth of the characters and their motivations sometimes get lost in the shuffle. The film’s resolution, while surprising, doesn’t feel entirely earned, leaving some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
However, Deep Red is undeniably fun. It’s a movie that embraces its genre conventions and revels in its excess. The inventive kill scenes, the intricate set pieces, and the atmospheric tension all contribute to the movie’s lasting appeal. For fans of giallo cinema, this film is a treasure trove of visual and auditory delights, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark with its storytelling.
In conclusion, Deep Red is a stylish and often thrilling piece of genre cinema that showcases Dario Argento at his most visually daring. While it may suffer from some narrative hiccups and pacing issues, the film’s atmosphere, music, and haunting imagery make it a must-watch for fans of horror. It’s a wild, gory ride that may leave you more spellbound by its aesthetics than its plot, but it’s a ride worth taking nonetheless.