Tenebrae
Directed by Dario Argento
Horror novelist Peter Neal arrives in Rome for a book tour just as a series of brutal murders begin. When Peter learns the killer is a superfan inspired by his gruesome novels, he decides to solve the crimes. As the slasher’s blade continues its bloodthirsty business, Neal realizes he must dive deep into his memories if he wants to catch the killer. After a scary experience being menaced by a real-life obsessed fan, Dario Argento poured his fears into this visually stunning return to form, loading TENEBRE with some of the most gorgeous and horrific murders in all the director’s oeuvre.
A razor-wielding psycho stalks a horror writer in one of Dario Argento's most celebrated gialli.
Cast: Anthony Franciosa, Giuliano Gemma, John Saxon
Member Reviews
I can see why everyone claims this is Dario's best work. However, I still think Suspiria is my favorite of his. Phenomena being a close second. But this is definitely a third. It's the usual giallo work that Dario does but it incorporates more fun-ness and thrill to it like you see in later 80s action thrillers and of course the 90s action thrillers. The acting is great and the main cast of characters are actually all likable which, even in Suspiria, I've never experienced in a Dario Argento film. I am disappointed this fimm killed off Gianni who was by far the best character in this movie. He was the type of character that starts off as a main character's sidekick but then becomes the main character of his own spin-off franchise because everyone loved him. He was just so excited to be a part of solving a murder mystery. He shouldn't have been a part of the kill list. But with that being said, this film is just very well done. One of Dario's best films. Not my #1 favorite but it sure is a good one nonetheless.
I love Suspiria, so I was excited to watch anoter Agento. Once again, I love the cinematography, the music and the way Argento built the tension. But for me the plot was a little boring, the acting very bad and too much naked ladies.
Another great Giallo by Argento, the red stuff pours
Really solid filmmaking, and top example of giallo horror. Have watched it many times over the years (Simonetti scores are comfort food for me), and every watch has something new to discover. This time it was the incredible sound design. Argento lets the score take a back seat in several set pieces, instead dialing up the ambient sound to put us right in the action so we have to really attend to potential harbingers of doom. Maria stumbling onto the estate, Bullmer waiting in the square, and Altieri meeting the landlady at the copshop, as examples.
Weird like most Argento movies are. The girl on the beach. . . I didn't know. I might be gay now.