Review of Opera (1987) by Richard L — 26 Oct 2012

'Opera' is an Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento. It is based off of an original idea by Dario Argento himself. Although, I will admit that the premise of this film still sounds almost like a Phantom of the Opera adaptation because it is about a young opera singer making her debut after a famous opera singer is unable to fulfill the role.

All the while, she is being stalked by masked homicidal maniac. To be quite honest, this actually feels much more like a Phantom of the Opera movie than Dario Argento's actual Phantom of the Opera movie.

At least in this movie, we actually have a masked character stalking the opera singer. After hearing about how this movie was praised as one of Argento's best, I naturally had fairly high hopes for this movie.

I will admit that I did express some disappointment in the movie, but I still enjoyed it. The thing that stuck out most about the movie is the camera work and cinematography. They are absolutely creative, unique, and interesting to watch.

Although, they can be rather dizzying at times as well, such as the viewpoint of the crow circling and descending upon the opera audience. As with many Argento films, the acting is nothing great, but it is never supposed to be the main focal point of the movie.

Also, as with many of Argento's films, it is not entirely logical, but it still does not treat its audience as if they are complete idiots. It is also similar to other Argento films in that the murder scenes are often well done and incredibly gruesome and violent.

It is rather sadistic in the way they portray Betty being tortured and forced to watch murders with needles taped underneath the eyes. It is also very stylish in the way the film is presented. I will admit that I did have extreme dislike for the ending of the movie that seemed rather questionable and confusing.

Overall, this is your typical Argento fare with stylish directing and over the top violence. This is one of those movies I will not judge as if it is trying to be a fantastic movie, but I will judge it as if it were trying to be a simple and enjoyable giallo film.