The Stendhal Syndrome
Directed by Dario Argento
A detective suffers strange hallucinations while hunting a serial killer in Dario Argento’s bone-chilling ‘90s masterpiece. Anna (Asia Argento) is on the trail of a psycho when she experiences Stendhal syndrome, a condition that causes people to become overwhelmed by works of art to the point of psychosis. But when the killer kidnaps and rapes her, it begins a process that threatens all who cross Anna’s path. Using CGI to bring Anna’s artistic hallucinations to life, Argento crafts a brutal yet visually stunning thriller that stands on par with his classics. Contains strong language, violence and gore.
A detective suffers strange hallucinations while hunting a serial killer.
Cast: Asia Argento, Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi
Member Reviews
Nope
First time seeing this before this I have seen demons from Argento which was great. Going into this was expecting something weird for sure but I thought it was alright just unnecessary with the assaults I guess but what are you gonna do. The haunting scenes are done fine and it definitely will leave an impression on me so there is something to be said for that.
Definitely better than Trauma. The cgi was a bit silly at points but definitely not a bad movie. I liked Argento exploring the effects of sexual violence on the mind, because its sure inflicted a lot in his movies
Not Argento's best. Interesting idea, but not so well executed.
Dario Argento’s “The Stendhal Syndrome,” released in 1996, is a harrowing and psychologically unsettling journey into the realms of horror and psychological thriller. This film is a testament to Argento’s skill in creating disturbing and surreal cinematic experiences. The film’s plot revolves around Anna Manni, played by Argento’s daughter, Asia Argento, a detective with the Florence police force who suffers from a psychological condition known as the Stendhal Syndrome. This condition causes her to experience disorienting and vivid hallucinations when she encounters great works of art. When she becomes involved in the pursuit of a serial rapist and murderer, the film takes a dark and surreal turn, blurring the lines between reality and psychosis. “The Stendhal Syndrome” marks a departure from Argento’s earlier works, as it focuses more on psychological horror than traditional giallo elements. It explores the fragile psyche of its protagonist, and the narrative becomes a nightmarish descent into her increasingly fractured mind. Visually, the film remains true to Argento’s flair for striking and unsettling imagery. The use of locations in Florence, Italy, adds to the film’s evocative atmosphere, and the portrayal of Anna’s hallucinations is both mesmerizing and disturbing. Argento’s use of color and lighting heightens the sense of unease, while the soundtrack, featuring Ennio Morricone’s eerie and haunting compositions, enhances the film’s emotional impact. Asia Argento delivers a powerful and committed performance as Anna Manni, navigating the complex emotional journey of her character with conviction. Her portrayal of a detective teetering on the edge of sanity is both sympathetic and unsettling. The film’s exploration of the Stendhal Syndrome, a condition in which art becomes both a source of beauty and terror, adds depth to the narrative. It delves into themes of identity, the blurred lines between art and reality, and the destructive nature of obsession. Despite its many merits, “The Stendhal Syndrome” is not without its challenges. Some viewers may find the narrative difficult to follow, and the film’s graphic violence and disturbing subject matter can be unsettling. It’s a departure from the more straightforward giallo genre, which may disappoint fans expecting the typical murder mystery elements. In conclusion, “The Stendhal Syndrome” is a bold and nightmarish exploration of psychological horror by Dario Argento. While it may not be as accessible as some of his earlier works, it offers a unique and unsettling cinematic experience. With its striking visuals, Asia Argento’s compelling performance, and a haunting soundtrack, the film is a testament to Argento’s ability to create an atmosphere of psychological and emotional horror.