From the mind of Italian horror maestro Dario Argento, director of "Phenomena," "Deep Red," and "Tenebre," comes his most famous work, 1977's "Suspiria," a wonderful horror film that is unique, scary, and absolutely gore-ific!
Jessica Harper stars as Suzy Bannyon, an American ballet student who has come to Europe to study at the greatest dance school in the area. But right from the start, nothing of good nature is going on and Suzy becomes more vulnerable to the ominous environment in which she has entered. And while strange things happen in the school, outside, people involved are horrifically murdered. Who or what is the culprit of these eerie occurrences? And will Suzy find out what is going on?
"Suspiria's" plot is a little bit hard to follow. At one time are we given a hint as to what is going on, but it doesn't matter. This movie is scary! Not only is the film extremely creepy and filled with "BOO!" scares, but it shows what Dario Argento is known best for: his uncontrollable use of on-screen gore! Argento's murder sequences are a cut above most slasher movies because all of Argento's characters die in creative and surprisingly beautiful ways. Each kill is filmed with lavish colors ranging from blue to orange in the background. And the blood that flows is so red. And all of the murders are shameless and right in your face, always making the viewer extremely on edge.
Even though it gains points for being "gore-gous," as director Eli Roth describes, "Suspiria" is a lot more than just a slasher movie. It's quite frightening. A lot of the movie is shot in the dark, and Argento constantly makes sure that you're never far away from a good "BOO!" The movie is deeply atmospheric, almost like a very mature fairy tale. We are thrown into a nightmare that leaves you on the edge of your seat. People get very uncomfortable while watching "Suspiria," just like I did when I first saw it.
Jessica Harper is very good as Suzy. She shows a sign of vulnerability that is believable and sympathetic. The rest of the cast also give jobs well-done, especially Stefania Casini as Sarah, Joan Bennett as Madame Blanc and Alida Valli as Ms. Tanner.
Dario Argento has said that he got the inspiration for "Suspiria" from Walt Disney's "Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs," and it shows. Alan Jones has called the film "a Walt Disney-style horror movie." Only Walt Disney would never be this ferociously creepy. The first time I saw "Suspiria," I was very entertained and creeped out, and that reaction remains the same each time I watch it. It's a classic horror movie that deserves the status, and I recommend it to all horror fans. A must! "The only thing more terrifying than the last 12 minutes of this film are the first 92!"
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