Review of Amer (2009) by Ricardo C — 02 Jun 2012

At last, a film surpassing its trailer promises. Depending on how you see it, though, because the public disliked it even though there's a sharp caliber of attention to detail in literally every shot.

Moody, hypnotic, incrementally adult and nonverbal for the most part, it makes up for all of those badly acted, photographed, edited, directed, etc. giallos that are so commonly accepted as cinema. Which is kind of ironic seeing as how those are praised and this isn't, simply due to a matter of time placement and cultural acceptance of the genre.

I guarantee if Amer were released say thirty years prior, and had its 21st century technology adjusted, it would be the magnum-opus standard by which all giallos are to be judged as opposed to something stupid like ______ by Dario Argento.

The minimal plot, mostly auditory, communicates with its actions, takes its time, and presents a side of giallos most people would've probably preferred. Basically muted characters, so as to not rely on idiotic self-voice overs as was the norm back in the day, and the main character going about her excursion and exploring, which gives the viewer a slight feeling of continual suspense.

The three main sections it's divided into could pass as three short films, which was more or less the goal, and it could also be seen in several other perspectives, which creates a minor skeptical sense of "Is it all connected?" as the parameters are erased.

In effect it might bother some people that prefer the traditional presenting fashion, making them feel they needed a consolidated story for an actual film, but I don't think it takes away from the other genius traits that are offered.

It's atmospheric, absorbing, erotic, and artistic and that's giallo done right.