Biografie

Closeups of eyes, frequently that of the killer. Main character is usually involved in an "artistic" profession, like writing or music.

All narration in his films is his own voice

In his movies, whenever a male murderer's hands only are shown (especially in scenes killing women) Dario Argento uses his own hands.

The closing credits of all his films begin with the caption "You have been watching" followed by the movie's title.

His protagonists are usually American or English foreigners somewhere in Europe who witness a violent crime at the beginning of the film and proceed to be threatened by and try to foil the villains.

Opened up a store and museum in Rome called "Profondo Rosso". It is similar to Forbidden Planet in London, and has memorabilia from many horror, sci-fi and fantasy movies. In the basement of the store there are special effect pieces from some of his films.

His favorite director and a source of inspiration is Ingmar Bergman.

Has a twenty year old black cat named Liebe.

Long-term partner was Daria Nicolodi; they were never married, though this has been reported in several sources.

In November of 1997 he made a run for political office in Rome.

I like women, especially beautiful ones. If they have a good face and figure, I would much prefer to watch them being murdered than an ugly girl or man. I certainly don't have to justify myself to anyone about this. I don't care what anyone thinks or reads into it. I have often had journalists walk out of interviews when I say what I feel about this subject.

The sound, it looks wonderful

We had many good directors - John Carpenter, Brian De Palma - but things have become polluted by business, money and bad relationships. The success of the horror genre has led to its downfall.

[Phenomena (1985)] was inspired by something I heard about insects being used to solve crimes, and because insects have always fascinated me I began to make a story around this idea. You know, it's a terrible thing, but there are many insects that are disappearing. Becoming extinct. But most people only want to kill them. You know, insects have souls, too; they're telepathic . . . amazing. People want to save the whales and dolphins, but nobody wants to save the insects. I'm a vegetarian, because I don't want to kill things to eat.

Horror is the future. And you cannot be afraid. You must push everything to the absolute limit or else life will be boring. People will be boring. Horror is like a serpent; always shedding its skin, always changing. And it will always come back. It can't be hidden away like the guilty secrets we try to keep in our subconscious.