I don't think the lead was a very good actor for this type of film, Christopher Rydell. I sort of understand his appeal, but he didn't look anything like a drug addict. I couldn't even tell that he'd gone back on drugs at any point. They never mentioned it, except in that brief moment when people were pointing at him on the street. I mean, this isn't exactly one of my favorite Argento films - but it does give you a whole new perspective on him, I'm surprised how much more I respect and love him after seeing Trauma, Stendhal, and Cat O' Nine Tails, all of which I saw freshly last week. Point being, there are other things in the film that bother me.
I wasn't crazy about the lack of gore either, but I sort of barely noticed. I mean, did anyone really think Argento was that gory a filmmaker? His movies are usually all over an hour and 40 minutes and the thing you see the least is graphic blood, gore, and viscera - other than the obvious screaming and act of stabbing and beating people, a great deal of Argento's violence seems to happen just offscreen or is intercut with more camerawork and characters on the side just freaking out.
The thing I didn't like the most was that horrible scene where the boy is watching butterflies and crawls through the window of the killer's house to get a lizard. It was scored like it was frickin' Honey I Shrunk the Kids! What was the point of that?! The boy wasn't anorexic or a drug addict, we all know his purpose at the end but at this moment, I guess it's just too obvious he's going to be crucial later, not in the meanwhile. His curiosity didn't have to shift the tone of the movie to something Disney-lite!
"Carol, one word of advice: send Cindy to a special school"
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splattaflix
18 years ago
jsut gotta put my two cents in.
I thought it was one fantanstic film, in fact, i rate it just below his classics (tenebre, bird and deep red) and slightly above sleepless. To me, it seemed just as stylish as other Argento films, especially compared to Cat O Nine Tails or The Card Player. I was constantly reminded of Deep Red, which sure as hell isn't a bad thing.
and i gotta agree with Angry-Scientist, sure for a movie about a serial-decapitator, it isn't too gory, but Argento was never about gore. I don't know how he acquired that moniker but it's false. it's more stylish brutality than out and out gore. his goriest flick was tenebre and that was pretty dry except for the end.
Another thing i like about the flick was the relationship between Aura and Rydell was very strong and VERY realistic. Argento hadn't had a strong romance in his films in a while and this definately reminded me of Marc and Gianna in Deep Red.
My only complaint about this flick would have to be that damned annoying neighbor kid. i mean the kid was ugly as *beep* and a total wimp. sure, it was funny to see the head sorta "staring" at him out the window but why did he have to be the big hero and save everybody? what a lame way to off the killer. Shoulda had Rydell busting out and beating the *beep* outa the killer. that woulda been good.
but that aside i loved this movie and it's definately not his worst as some have said
"My mom started collecting beanie-babies...about 4 years after she died." Deputy Trudy Weigel.
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18 years ago
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kendoll82
17 years ago
DEFINETLY one of his most underappreciated. I've read some of the reviews and negative posts and it seems to me that Trauma is criticized for doing the exact same things that Argento's other films are praised for. But because it features all american actors and takes place in a somewhat mundane American setting, people can't bring themselves to like it or appreciate it, and thus, it's considered a "medicore" effort. I can't tell you right now that if Trauma took place in Italy, we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Also, people saying the anorexia subplot has nothing to do with the main story are missing the point. What's wrong with having believable characters with real-life problems? I mean, if you're a drug addict (like the main character), does that always have to infere with your "normal" life? Your work? Your friends? NO....anorexia was something that Dario felt very strongly about, and in an american setting, it was an aspect of the story and the character that did have to be in bold.
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keith66-1
17 years ago
I really enjoy this film and have never understood the criticism that that it's had from Argento fans. Sure, this is Americanized Argento but it is still high on style and suspense. I think it has some of the most interesting characters and I really enjoy Pino's score. As another reviewer already mentioned, the live sound really helps this one out especially in the more emotional and conversational driven parts of the film. The only thing I think could have been different was a few of the kills, some variation maybe. The instrument of death was unique and some of the kills were bloody but I like wondering how the next fella/gal is going to be disposed of. Here I already knew. Anyway, I think this is a very good film even if it doesn't make it's way into my top 5 Argento flicks. 8/10
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jlam888 (574)
6 years ago
His two Masters of horror episodes and Mother of tears are gorier than Tenebre.
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