Argento, who directed cinematic classics like ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Deep Red’ appeared at select screenings throughout the weekend.
Horror buffs and enthusiasts of mystery rejoice: “Beware of Dario Argento,” a 20-film retrospective on legendary Italian director Dario Argento’s career presented by Film at Lincoln Center, debuted over the weekend to sold out audiences. The series, which runs through June 29, features 17 brand new 4K restorations of career-spanning titles and horror classics including “Deep Red,” “Suspiria” and “Tenebrae.” Argento himself appeared alongside interpreter Michael Moore at select screenings throughout the weekend to participate in post-film Q&As and pre-movie introductions. The influential filmmaker also presented his latest effort, “Dark Glasses,” to American audiences for the first time on Sunday. It is Argento’s first film in 10 years.
Argento began his career in film as a critic and later worked as a screenwriter for productions such as Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in the West” before directing his own features. He is known for his use of stunning, unorthodox visual techniques and over-the top-violence. His films, often described as “nightmarish,” are thematically shrouded in darkness and mystery, juxtaposed against vivid imagery and inventive musical scores.
“I haven’t really had time to reflect,” Argento told The New School Free Press in an onsite interview before a screening Friday. “For now, I’m living day by day, film by film, minute by minute.”
Argento kicked off his filmmaking career in 1971 with a string of successful giallo movies known as the “Animal Trilogy.” ‘Giallo’ means ‘yellow’ in Italian and refers to the page color of thriller novels and pulp fiction paperbacks of the time. His first directorial effort, “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage,” did considerably well at the box office, and thus Argento’s career as the maestro of horror was born.
For now, I’m living day by day, film by film, minute by minute.
— Dario Argento, director
He solidified his status as a filmmaking legend in the mid-70s, releasing titles such as “Deep Red” and “Suspiria,” that expanded on the use of plot twists, extravagant set pieces, vivid color, imaginative soundtracks composed by frequent collaborators Goblin, and unconventional camera angles that Argento would come to be known for. The director found continued success among film enthusiasts and horror aficionados alike, showcasing his distinctive style in critically acclaimed films including “Tenebrae,” “Phenomena” and “Opera.”
Argento’s movies have resonated with new audiences, generation after generation, which he attributes to his filmmaking style.
“I think it’s the originality, the style in which they’re told, and the themes,” Argento said. “For example, ‘Tenebrae’ is an absolutely pure giallo, ‘Suspiria’ is pure horror, a perfect horror film.”
Critics and audiences have shared similar sentiments over the years, lauding “Suspiria” as a visual masterpiece and often referring to the film as a near-perfect depiction of a nightmare. Notably, “Supiria” was Argento’s first departure from giallo as a director, and spawned the “Three Mothers” trilogy of supernatural horror films which includes 1980’s “Inferno,” and 2007’s “Mother of Tears.”
Sunday night marked the American premiere of “Dark Glasses,” Argento’s first directorial effort in 10 years. Adapted from a script he penned decades ago, the story follows Ilenia Pastorelli as Diana, a sex worker who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Chin, played by Andrea Zhang in his film debut, after an event involving the duo that causes her to go blind. The pair team up to solve a string of mysterious slayings. The film is a welcome return to the genre that Argento perfected decades earlier.
From “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage,” to “Dark Glasses,” Argento’s career in film has been monumental and influential. The legendary filmmaker has remained uncompromised in his artistic approach, and his distinct style is often imitated, but never replicated. The retrospective will be enjoyable for die-hard Argento fans, film enthusiasts or anyone interested in diving into the world of darkness that Argento has so perfectly encapsulated on screen, movie after movie. Do yourself a favor – catch these titles on the big screen while you still can.
More information on “Beware of Dario Argento,” including schedules and tickets, can be found at the Film at Lincoln Center website.
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