Review of Suspiria (1977) by Johnny T — 05 Jun 2013

Argento works so hard for his effects -- throwing around shock cuts, colored lights, and peculiar camera angles -- that it would be impolite not to be a little frightened. It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them. Its outlandish, confounding style [does] more than virtually any other film to create the exact sort of unsettled, panicky mood in the viewer that is at the heart of horror. Right from the start, it's clear that the Italian-made, English-language "Suspiria" is a specialty item: The opening credits show the title of the movie carved out of pulsating glands. The film's ostensible highlights include a bat on the rampage, a plague of white worms, "Tubular Bells"-type music by a group called The Goblins, and a great many graphic tips on how to carve one's fellows into rib roast. Italian prog rockers Goblin's tingling, rasping, throbbing score [and] Argento's constantly gliding camera creates an almost unbearable sense of unease and suspense.

VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).