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The Italian Giallo genre, a blend of mystery and horror, flourished between 1970 and 1975. Named after the yellow-covered mystery novels popular in Italy during that era, these films are known for their intense violence, explicit content, and iconic murder sequences, which heavily influenced American slasher films. While the genre boasts several masterpieces, it also includes some lesser-known works. Below are 10 Giallo films that stand out. WARNING: The following clips may contain graphic violence, sexual content, and gore.
10. The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963) [Director: Mario Bava]
This film marks the birth of the Giallo genre. Mario Bava transformed the Italian Giallo novels into a gripping tale of an American tourist in Italy who stumbles upon a murder and decides to solve the mystery herself. While not overly graphic, this film established the classic Giallo formula and remains an engaging entry point into the genre. For those who enjoy it, Bava’s subsequent work, 'Blood and Black Lace,' is a natural next step. Note: The clip above lacks subtitles, but they are available on the DVD version.
9. A Blade in the Dark (1983) [Director: Lamberto Bava]
Lamberto, Mario’s son, may not match his father’s brilliance, but his first Giallo effort is a fun watch. The story follows a composer working on a film score whose housemates are mysteriously killed. While Lamberto’s work often lacks depth, this film injects fresh energy into the genre, standing out even after Giallo’s golden era.
8. Death Walks on High Heels (1971) [Director: Luciano Ercoli]
This film weaves a complex and well-crafted mystery centered around a diamond thief, stunning women, and dynamic cinematography. It’s the standout among Ercoli’s three Gialli, though its companion piece, 'Death Walks at Midnight,' is also worth watching. Dive into this one for a Giallo that excels in storytelling, atmosphere, and character development.
7. Your Vice Is a Locked Room… (1972) [Director: Sergio Martino]
The full title, 'Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key,' hints at its eccentric nature. Blending ghostly elements, infidelity drama, and nods to Poe’s 'The Black Cat,' this Giallo pushes boundaries while delivering the genre’s staples: nudity, violence, and a gripping mystery. The film opens with a bizarre party scene and features an alcoholic writer and a repetitive typewriter message, eerily reminiscent of 'The Shining.'
6. A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin (1971) [Director: Lucio Fulci]
Drugs often play a significant role in Giallo films, and Lucio Fulci, best known for 'Zombi 2,' delivers a fascinating take on the subject here. While the plot can be absurd at times, it revolves around a woman who dreams of killing her neighbor, only to find the neighbor dead in a manner eerily similar to her dreams. Fulci’s signature style creates a chilling atmosphere, heightened by two peculiar witnesses to the central murder.
5. Black Belly of the Tarantula (1971) [Director: Paolo Cavara]
This film is an excellent entry point for exploring the genre’s exploration of sexuality. The killer paralyzes victims before murdering them, and the plot includes clever twists to mislead the audience. Unlike many Gialli that focus on innocent bystanders investigating crimes, this one centers on a detective questioning his career, offering a fresh perspective.
4. Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972) [Director: Lucio Fulci]
Fulci, a master of the genre, earns another spot on this list with this standout film. Breaking from the typical urban settings of Giallo, he sets the story in rural Sicily, delving deeply into themes of morality and religion. The film excels in its exploration of these topics, supported by unforgettable scenes like a brutal graveyard beating and a dramatic mountainside confrontation, making it a standout among its peers.
3. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970) [Director: Dario Argento]
While 'The Girl Who Knew Too Much' and 'Blood and Black Lace' pioneered the Giallo genre, 'The Bird with the Crystal Plumage' was the first to seamlessly blend plot, gore, and sensuality into a cohesive masterpiece. Argento’s debut is a quintessential Giallo, captivating viewers with its gripping narrative and stunning visuals. It’s an ideal introduction to the genre and a film worth revisiting. Its perfect balance of elements set a standard that influenced the genre for years. As the first in Argento’s 'Animal Trilogy,' followed by 'The Cat O’Nine Tails' and 'Four Flies on Grey Velvet,' it remains a must-watch.
2. Bay of Blood (1971) [Director: Mario Bava]
1971 was a pivotal year for Giallo, and Mario Bava, the genre’s pioneer, took the opportunity to redefine it. Also known as 'Twitch of the Death Nerve,' this film centers on greed, as multiple parties clash over an inheritance while a killer lurks. Bava’s work here laid the groundwork for the slasher genre, with death scenes that would later inspire the 'Friday the 13th' series. It’s a perfect entry point for fans of American slasher films exploring Giallo.
1. Deep Red (1975) [Director: Dario Argento]
Widely regarded as one of the finest Giallo films, Dario Argento, a trailblazer of the genre, nearly perfects the formula in this masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 film 'Blow Up' (featuring the same lead actor), 'Deep Red' was intended to be Argento’s farewell to Giallo before he shifted to supernatural thrillers like the iconic 'Suspiria.' This film represents the genre at its most refined and introspective, though it may challenge newcomers unfamiliar with Argento’s style. For those new to Giallo, starting with this list’s top pick might be advisable. Fans of 'Deep Red' should also explore Argento’s later return to the genre with 'Tenebre,' a film that both celebrates and critiques Giallo conventions with precision and depth.
