We've wanted to discuss the films of Dario Argento for a long time but have been stumped about the correct starting point. In a career spanning more than fifty years and over twenty films where do we jump in? Luckily, our occasional podcast guest Jason Spear helped us cut through the noise to focus on the director's amazing OPERA (1987). This was prompted by the recent Scorpion release of the film in an incredible three disc Blu-Ray set that provides probably the best way to see the movie since it's theatrical run. Packed with extras that allow fans to deep dive into details of the production it serves to fuel our rather rambling look at this stunning thriller.
To dig into what we love about this movie we do away with the idea of a linear discussion of the plot and just hop around talking about random scenes and sequences. We assume that the podcast audience is familiar with the film and plunge forward pulling apart our favorite elements and puzzling over the odd things that make this giallo such a strange and wonderful experience. That means there are certainly spoilers, so be aware! We discuss the madness induced by repressed sexual desires as well as the perceived age problem between the killer and the focus of his obsession. We spend a good deal of time on the fascinating possibility that Argento rotates his narrative inside the head of his main character much sooner than usually imagined. We debate the sanity of the central figure of the film for probably too long and then devolve into relating our individual favorite three Argento efforts. As you can tell, we swing all over the place in this one!
If you have any comments or just want to give us your own list of favorite Argento movies the show's email address is thebloodypit@gmail.com where we will be glad to hear what you have to say. I cap the episode with an old Hoodoo Guru's song but stick around afterwards for some bonus complaining from me about Argento's Dracula film. Ugh! And, as always, thank you for listening to the show.
The Bloody Pit #35 - GHIDORAH, THE THREE HEADED MONSTER (1964)
The Bloody Pit #34 - CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE (1980)
The Bloody Pit #33 - NEW YEAR'S EVIL (1980)
The Bloody Pit #32 - WESTWORLD (1973)
The Bloody Pit #31 - DIARY OF A MADMAN (1963) and other Horla adaptations
The Bloody Pit #30 - Halloween Mix 2015
The Bloody Pit #29 - GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004)
The Bloody Pit #28 - TAKE A HARD RIDE (1975)
The Bloody Pit #27 - CONTAMINATION (1980)
The Bloody Pit #26 - CASTLE OF BLOOD and WEB OF THE SPIDER
The Bloody Pit #25 - GODZILLA MOTHRA KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL OUT ATTACK (2001)
The Bloody Pit #24 - FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965)
The Bloody Pit #23 - WAR BETWEEN THE PLANETS (1966)
The Bloody Pit #22 - GODZILLA VS THE SMOG MONSTER (1972)
The Bloody Pit #21 - Movie Music Show!
The Bloody Pit #20 - ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (1976)
The Bloody Pit #19 - ALL MONSTERS ATTACK (1969)
The Bloody Pit #18 - Halloween Mix 2014
The Bloody Pit #17 - Doc Savage!
The Bloody Pit #16 - NIGHTMARE CITY (1980)
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