Dark Glasses

The past 15 years have been really hard on Dario Argento fans. Dracula 3-D & Giallo were the lowest of the low and Dark Glasses is a faint improvement. The biggest issue with recent Argento films seem to be the low budgets. It's not as if his early work was mega budgets but the past few movies he seems to be working from the biscuit tin. The style and flair that went with his earlier work is just not there any more. This movie has a nice soundtrack and is Argento all over however that appears to be the only thing remaining.

Ilenia Pastorelli is the lead role and it's not unfair to say she isn't the best actress in the world. Asia Argento is in this and is given nothing to do and makes you wonder if she would have been the lead if this movie was made in 2002 when Dario Argento wanted to film it.

The movie climaxes with a typical ridiculous killer reveal and goes full on Cujo remake. Anyone watching this would perceive this as someone doing a bad Argento movie and not the great man himself. People would be best off watching Deep Red again.

It's safe to say this is far from argento's best work but certainly not his worst. One or two good kills and some decent cinematography. Plus the soundtrack is a good listen. Overall no classic but worth tracking down.

Dario Argento - I really have to rewatch some of his earlier work. Things that are (supposedly?) really good. I remember liking Suspiria for example. But I am not sure, why he ever got the name that he did - considering that most of his output was not really that good. And if you only see the last two decades ... well I know that his fans do not want to talk about that. I totally understand.

Maybe that is the reason this movie got so much praise. It actually isn't really that good, but compared to something like Giallo (did Adrian Brody really star in that one?) ... it almost feels like a masterpiece. It isn't of course. It does start off quite good, even if the nonsense is there for everyone to see (looking straight into the sun - very not smart of our main character) ... but it is supposed to be foreshadowing.

There is nudity (not from his daughter, whom I almost didn't recognize I have to admit, at least at first, because you can clearly tell it is her), even in scenes that did not need them. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, just telling you so you are aware of it. But the heart of it all is the killings. And they are well done. You may feel almost no sympathy for the victims, considering their poor choices that mostly nullifies their chances of survival, but the make up is good (the screaming can be annoying but let's not go into the "acting" rabbit hole we get served here) and the music/soundtrack is also what you would expect. And I mean that in a good way.

There is no mystery about whodunnit, it is almost like the movie is hitting you on the head with the information. Even if there is a flashback when the "reveal" is being made at the end - for the viewers who didn't bother to actually pay attention. I envy them - anyway, if you are a hardcore Argento fan, you probably will find something to like here. And I kind of envy you too. Not bothering with story, acting or anything that makes sense ... and I am not being sarcastic ... or shaming anyone. You go and enjoy what makes you happy and don't let anyone tell you what to like or not. Or the "inspiration" Argento felt probably was just him needing money ... that would be a mean thing to say.

I have seen Occhiali neri last night at FEST - International Film Festival, Belgrade . It's a very strange Iittle thriller, very bizarre and very low budget. The plot is extremely silly, with water snakes and other over-the-top decisions, but that's Argento for you. We don't expect logic in his films. Do we? There is warmth in it as well, it's very character driven. It feels rushed in places and acting is so-so, but overall you should definitely see if you're Argento fan. It's his best since Nonhosonno, fast paced and never boring. And yes... it's very gory. The third act reminded me of the begining of Rob Zombie's Halloween 2, because it's basically a long chase scene in the countryside. The OST is great.

I'm a Indian & admire Dario Argento's earlier works which were flag beares for gialo films. The latest addition of the master of horror get some of it right but the plot seems very thin. The colour grading is all good & makes it's atmospheric but story has many plot holes. The killer does not seems to facinate the audience & the face reveal is done quiet early for the story. The acting seems to be quiet ridiculous to me me even though the main lead has an artistic body to display. The movie is a small budget movie & is quite evident from the beginning. The movie ain't that bad, give it a watch without any expectations & you'll enjoy it.