Dario Argento

The incredibly talented and innovative Italian director, who never seems to kill the right number of women in his films. Recently, he has taken to casting his delicious daughter, Asia Argento, in increasingly sadistic scenes. Although Argento's output during the 90s cannot compare with the stylish films he made during the two preceding decades, his status remains untarnished.
I have a bunch of his film on various media, here's a list of Argento films in my collection.
Dario Argento

The Films

Although I've seen every film he's made, it will take some time before my comments find their way onto the website. I will attempt to write new ones as soon as I see the films again. Please note, you really do not want to know anything about the plot for Argento's films (beyond the most general idea that is). I will studiously avoid giving out any of the twists, of which there are many, in my reviews. However, sometimes spoilers might creep up, especially if you are one of those, who does not follow the story closely.

The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970): A writer witnesses an attempted murder at an art gallery and after agreeing to help the police investigate a spate of unsolved murders finds himself on the run from an unknown killer. Argento's first film has aged very well and with the numerous twists and strange allusions to art and memory makes for one enjoyable outing. Rated: 7/10.
The Cat o' Nine Tails (1971): When a genetic research institute uncovers that individuals with an extra Y (male) chromosome are prone to violence, a murder spree ensues. An investigative reporter teams up with a blind man and a girl in an attempt to solve the mystery as the killer manages to stay one step ahead. A good giallo and a marginal Argento. Rated: 5/10.
Deep Red (1975): A pianist witnesses the brutal murder of a famous psychic who had detected the identity of a mysterious killer during a demonstration of her abilities at a conference. When a reporter writes that he can identify the killer, the pianist finds himself on the run even while the killer mysteriously keeps a step ahead by eliminating all people with clues. Considered among the best of Argento's films, this one is a must-see. Rated: 8/10.
Suspiria (1977): An excellent thriller with supernatural elements, this one is about an American student who goes to a German dance academy only to stumble into the midst of a witches' coven. Some of the grizzliest murders imagined by Dario are here, along with a disturbing score by Goblin, and beautifully color-coded sequences. Recommended. Rated: 8/10.
Inferno (1980): Among his three best films, this one is a supernatural horror story that sort of continues Suspiria and the attempts of the evil Three Mothers to bring their mysterious plans to fruition. People start dying in incredibly stylish and grizzly ways when a woman discovers the secret abode of Mater Tenebrarum. Rated: 9/10.
Tenebre (1982): A stylish giallo about a killer who stalks and murders women who either use their sexuality---to get out of trouble for stealing or to make money---or who are 'deviants' (lesbians). As a blueprint, he uses the best-selling book of an American writers who has just arrived in Rome to promote it. One of Argento's more complicated and satisfying films. Rated: 7/10.
Phenomena (1985): Jennifer Connelly goes to a boarding school in Switzerland only to end up in the middle of the killing spree of some psychopath who targets girls. To add some twists to the otherwise pedestrian story, she can communicate with insects, and there's the super-intelligent chimp that can wield a mean razor. A decent film. Rated: 6/10.
Opera (1987): A killer stalks an opera singer in this vicious giallo that is among Argento's bloodiest and most upsetting. From crows exacting revenge on their assailant, with attending ripping of flesh and gouging of an eye, to the heroine tied with needles taped under her eyelids to force her to watch the murders, this one pulls no punches. Excellent performances all around. Rated 7/10.
Trauma (1993): A young anorexic girl (Asia Argento) is saved by a passer-by who is quite taken with her. He finds himself dragged into a vortex of bloody murders that are somehow related to her family. As the unseen killer gruesomely decapitates various victims with a pocket guillotine, the two attempt to solve the mystery before it's too late. A weak film. Rated: 5/10.
The Stendhal Syndrome (1996): Anna is a detective from Rome who goes to Florence on a hunt for a serial rapist-killer. While recovering from temporary amnesia caused by loss of consciousness after being overcome by emotions evoked by viewing art, she is assaulted by the same man and raped. As she continues her search for the villain, she loses her grip on reality in an attempt to escape her victimhood and the mark he left on her. Very good film. Rated: 7/10.
Phantom of the Opera (1998): Despite the casting of Julian Sands and Asia Argento, this film is an incredible disappointment. I got flamed for saying this once, so please don't do it again. If you must see it, it's a rewrite of the traditional Phantom story, except it's a little messier, the phantom is pretty, and Asia is delectable. There's nothing else to recommend this film. Rated 2/10.
The Card Player (2004): The police is being taunted by a guy who kidnaps women and then forces the cops to play online poker with him. The stakes are high: the girls' lives and/or various pieces of them. An oddly unimaginative and soulless film for Argento, the visual style is updated for modern TV and is as slick as forgettable. A severe disappointment. Rated: 4/10.

Dario Argento

The Films

Further Reading