Guest writer Lucinda Holt reviews Dario Argento’s Tenebrae…
I am a huge fan of Italian horror maestro Dario Argento and Tenebrae is up there with my favourites. Released in 1982 this film was classified, prosecuted and banned in the United Kingdom up until 1999 when it was released straight to video with several cuts. In fact it was only in 2003 that it was re-released fully with no cuts.
Set in Rome, Tenebrae sees an American horror writer terrorised by a crazed killer intent on killing anyone involved with his latest book. Like most Argento films, the killer dons black leather gloves and likes to slice and dice with a straight razor. The film boasts an amazing score by Argento favourite Goblin. Its main theme is easily recognisable and has been sampled in many popular songs.
This film is particularly famous for a very long crane shot that goes up and over the house as the killer is stalking his prey. It is beautiful and reminiscent of Hitchcock’s long shot in Rear Window.
There is always a lot of controversy with Argento’s films due to the excessive violence against women. The ladies in his films do tend die in horrible ways but critics seem to forget that the men do too. A blind man getting ripped apart by his own guide dog is just as horrible as some of the things that the female characters have endured. Plus there is something so arty about it all. The way he shoots gives a dream or nightmare-like quality so nothing is ever too real or uncomfortable. The blood is always so bright and vivid that it is practically neon. This film even addresses those accusations Argento has faced; a female journalist asking the writer why he hates women due to the violence he writes against them.
However Tenebrae lacks the same stunning visuals his previous films like the underwater ballroom in Inferno or the striking colours in Suspiria. It is still beautifully shot and a good introduction to Argento as it is one of his more straightforward films. It is always a joy to re-watch from time to time, as you tend to forget how great it is. Like most Giallo films, the plot is mysterious enough to keep you entertained but it does tend to take a backseat to the more visual scenes of violence and that amazing soundtrack. Although this is set in Rome, don’t expect to see many classic locations. In Tenebrae, Argento uses highly modern buildings with a cold almost clinical feel. I am in no doubt this is done on purpose, the sharp edges of the buildings symbolising the sharp edges of the blade.
If you are expecting a low rent B-Movie, look elsewhere, Tenebrae is anything but that. It is thrilling and sexy and just a little bit fun. This is the perfect film to watch on those restless nights and you just need something to get lost in. From the tense opening scene you just know you are about to watch something special.
