Occhiali neri

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.

Went into this with high hopes since it was Argento but unfortunately it is like recent disappointments from Argento which blotch his legendary name. The high points of this film is the extreme Argento gore we have come to all love. This does have some very interesting and unusual camera work and visuals. I wouldn't recommend going out and buying this unless you are an extreme Argento fan, I would wait until it goes on to some streaming site or The Horror Channel. I am still at a loss why this is advertised with They Live homages in the poster as it has nothing to do with They Live in the actual film.

Music - awesome. Photography - decent.

Everything else - lame.

Still better then Argento's Dracula, though.

All in all - for diehard Argento fans only.

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.

Nov 22

So here we have Dario Argentos latest film, with the english title of "Dark Glasses".

I has seen all the average reviews, so was pleasantly surprised to find it pretty decent and definitely above average.

Dario would of been 81/82 years old making this, and he has still got it, and hopefully will continue to make more.

I must confess i knew Asia Argento was in it, but it took me awhile to spot her.

Of course it isnt upto his great giallos of the 70s and 80s, but its worthy in this day and age.

I cant see me watching 40 or 50 times but i will watch it again.

Deserves a much better IMDB score.

7.5 from me.