Review of Suspiria (1977) by The E — 11 Jul 2011

Dario Argento's fifth film Suspiria (1977) is a masterpiece of modern horror. Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) is an American who comes to Freiburg, Germany to perfect her dancing skills at the Tans Academy. Unfortunately, strange events, as well as murders, are taking place at this mysterious location. It's all tied up in a brief but arresting conclusion.

Driven by a brilliant, artistic direction and an effective, simplistic plot, Suspiria puts nonstop action on hold for a slower pace. Every moment serves up the suspense for the next vicious climax, and although the film certainly doesn't match the number of kills from forthcoming American slashers, it does meet or surpass them in terms of both suspense and sheer violence. This is actually one of the least bloody works I've seen in Argento's (pristine) filmography, especially in the butchered R-rated version, but it shouldn't disappoint those with a love of classic hand-done effects.

The soundtrack here deserves special mention. Goblin's second time working with the acclaimed Italian director produces some of the band's very best music. In fact, the atmosphere Goblin creates in Suspiria is perhaps its most integral element; the spooky (and obnoxiously catchy) main theme provides the meat of the matter, but the most intense moments come during the more cacophonous soundscapes. When the random turbulence of instruments and voices build to the point of chaos, the terror strikes.

His direction is suffocating as always, heavily utilizing the color red and a myriad of inventive shots (just watch as the lights phase in and out between the trees). The result is a film that lives and breathes on its own. No fancy acting or emotional character background is in store for you here; all Argento needs is an elegant patchwork of sights, sounds and shocks. This is undoubtedly one of the greatast horror movies ever made.