Origins of My Love of Horror 7

Today is Dario Argento's 82nd birthday, which is a perfect time time to mention one of my favorite movies for my Origins of My Love of Horror series: Deep Red (Profondo Rosso).

A classic giallo, Argento's fifth picture is a highly stylized murder mystery that sees the master filmmaker pulling out all the stops, including psychics reading the mind of a murderer, a jazz musician involved in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse on the streets of Rome, a daring reporter following a story into dangerous territory, and a revelation that is as insane as it is flabbergasting. It's notable for its incredible visuals, its great sense of tension, and a magnificent soundtrack by Goblin. ​It's an influential film as well, informing not only John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) but indeed much of the slasher genre of the 1970s and 1980s.

While a case can be made for Suspiria (1977) being Argento's best movie, I personally prefer Profondo Rosso for its daring and invention while still maintaining the narrative structure of a thriller. If Suspiria is like Sgt. Pepper, Profondo Rosso is like Revolver, electric and jarring.

What is your favorite Dario Argento movie? What is your favorite giallo? Let me know in the comments.