Suspiria (1977)

Suspiria (1977)

• I’ve had this on my Spooktober watchlist for literally a couple years now, and I’m finally doing a Suspiria double header (obviously referring to this one, and then the Luca Guadagnino remake). I want to go ahead and get the biggest highlight out of the way, because I’m so mind blown by it. The cinematography and color in this film is maybe top ten of all time, in any film, ever. The striking use of vibrant colors is a complete contrast to the subject matter, which somehow makes it even scarier. It feels like a fever dream rather than some dark, brooding horror film. The production design is absolutely phenomenal, creating an entire world that immediately absorbs you and doesn’t let you go. Everything is shot so well, with a lot of precision on the characters, and the beauty of the school is captured. Then, there’s the murders and deaths, which feel over the top but very elevated because of how they are shot. The blood is way too bright red and the effects are hilariously good, and also very noticeable, but it completely works. The score is also very overbearing and tense, and I promise it’s not gonna sound like what you expect. Now for the slightly less positive: I wasn’t super huge into the story. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad at all, and it’s full of mystery, tension, and suspense. But, it didn’t feel like anything I hadn’t seen before. I definitely wouldn’t say it was boring, or drawn out. I just didn’t enjoy it as much as the other elements, like the visuals and sets. But for 1977, it has everything it needs to be an iconic piece of horror fiction. The performances were also good, but nothing great. The dubbing was kind of atrocious, but that’s just what Italian films were back then. You can’t really hold it against the film, but it was very hard to not giggle occasionally. Overall, this film is absolutely horror eye candy, with a very surreal and abstract look, and great writing that leaves you with chills. I think I’ll like it even more on a rewatch, and I can’t wait to see Guadagnino’s vision for this story. I would recommend this to all horror fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!