Squilli di sangue

The late 70s and early 80s single-handedly brought forward a unique sub-genre of exploitation cinema, namely that of the misogynic serial-killer on the prowl in the sleazy back alleys and red-light districts of big cities; - preferably in and around 42nd Street in New York. William Lustig's "Maniac" is the obvious example, of course, but there are also more obscure titles like "Delirium", "Bloodrage", "Night of the Juggler", or "The First Deadly Sin". They are also known, among cult fanatics at least, as North American gialli.

"Stone Cold Dead" perfectly fits into the list as well, what with its grisly plot of a sniper, active in sex district of Toronto and exclusively targeting prostitutes. The underrated Richard Crenna plays the fatigued but dedicated Police Sgt trying to stop the killer, and he has plenty of potential culprits to suspect.

The opening sequence, in which a showering call girl is shot death through her bathroom widow is really brute. In fact, all sequences involving the serial killer stalking, photographing, and cold-bloodedly gunning down the victims are very suspenseful. The only problem is this only happens four or five times throughout the movie, and everything else is quite dull and very derivative. Most of the film is just very dark and difficult to follow, and several of the red herring and sub plots are too extended and distracting, like all sequences with the bizarre pimp (played by Paul Williams of "Phantom of the Paradise") and the police corruption.

Finally, but worth mentioning for sure, the most misfit but memorable part of the film is Sgt. Boyd's ingenious method to feed his fish at home. Since he's almost never at home due to his demanding street job, he developed a way to feed his fish by dialing a private phone number that sets in motion a sort of Rube Goldberg machine. It's a pretty cool gimmick, I admit, but since there isn't the least bit of humor in the film otherwise, it feels somewhat improper.

Richard Crenna and Paul Williams are excellent, a few supporting actors are also outstanding. The photography is occasionally too gimmicky, but is mostly good to exceptional. The music is great, even when it's not music I love it fits. It establishes a mood, time and place (It's Very, Very Toronto, not NYC or LA...) nicely. There's some lovely editing, lighting and the sound design and recording is vastly above par for the era, and pretty good for today's technology and sensibility.

A lot of it is filmed in real locations, and it's a lovely slice of 70's TO. Sets stick out like a sore thumb, and the occasional covering of a brand with gaffer tape is too obvious also. The snowstorm seems like a mistake as well they had to go with for budget/schedule, and there are a few radio VOs to explain things that are just very oddly/badly done. Some key supporting actors are just awful and similarly stick out, which is all too bad.

But most disappointingly, for much of the film there's no plot to speak of, and the story rambles for no good reason.

The serial killer plot is poorly done, unlikely, and while the ending is somewhat interestingly done, in the final analysis I think unnecessary and too clever by half. I feel instead that this film would have worked much better with Richard Crenna going after a single murder in the same awful place full of crime and the immorality that eats at him, and trying to pin it on Paul Williams much as he does already.

A crazed sniper is killing prostitutes in Toronto. Using a camera mounted on the rifle, the victims are photographed as they're gunned down. Boyd (Richard Crenna) is a police sergeant who suspects high-level (but physically diminutive) pimp, Julius Kurtz (Paul Williams), of being behind the slayings. Harboring an intense distaste for Kurtz, Boyd would like nothing more than to lock him up and throw away the key, but are these cases ever that easy?

"Stone Cold Dead" is a grimy amalgamation of giallo, crime drama and exploitation archetypes. The sniper's appearance and M.O. are straight out of a giallo, as is the terrific music that pops up whenever they're in action. I also loved the scenes in the culprit's darkroom, whispering voices running rampantly through a damaged psyche. The addition of the camera mount to shoot pictures and bullets at the same time is certainly an inspired touch. Psychological aspect aside, it ensures that the various murder scenes lack a feeling of repetition.

The atmosphere of the film is one of grunge and decay. Lensed in a cold, distant style suiting the material, there's an ample amount of sleaze on display as we're treated to the underbelly of Toronto. Kurtz dealing with his girls and Boyd's quest to bring him down get as much screen time as the hunt for the killer.

Paul Williams gives a standout performance as Kurtz, a classy type who actually shows a level of compassion and respect for those under his employ. His character is supposed to be scum, yet I actually found him more likable than Crenna's hard-ass sergeant. Boyd isn't all bad, however, as he makes sure that his pet fish are taken care of when he's too busy to come home. How? By rigging up a contraption that feeds them when he calls his house. Genre favorite Michael Ironside shows up in one of the briefest roles ever as an ill-fated cop. Tease. I was going back and forth between two characters when it came to determining the sniper's identity. I managed to get it right about 15 minutes before the reveal. The revelation scene itself is a winner, as the individual playing the guilty party gives an impressive performance.

While it isn't perfect, this seldom-seen little cheapie has a lot going for it, especially if you're into gialli. It's also quite similar in overall feel to another seedy Canadian flick from the period, "American Nightmare", only this one's actually worth watching!

First of all, I want to say that Paul Williams is an excellent, talented composer. He was a great behind-the-scenes professional in the late 20th century in television and film. I didn't even mind seeing his funny face on the Muppet Show. However, chubby late 70s flat-faced Paul playing an elegant, delusional pimp is almost laugh out loud funny.

There's literally a drawn out scene of a much younger and beautiful young woman being tossed out of his limo into the snow, before returning to perform explicit adult activities a la soft porn. If that wasn't bad enough, the melodramatic strains of Children of the Night playing in the background irresistibly pushed my hand to hit the stop button.

Stone Cold Dead (1979)

** (out of 4)

Richard Crenna plays Sgt. Boyd who is out trying to solve a group of bizarre killings where a sniper is taking out women involved in the sex business. As he grows closer to the killer it's very possible that someone he has a connection with might end up on the hit list.

If you're a fan of 70s cinema then you probably know about 42nd Street and the various types of sleazy movies that would play there. Snipers, pimps, dirty cops, hookers and drug use were just some of the subjects that would be covered in those types of films and all of those elements are on display in STONE COLD DEAD but sadly the film tries to be too mainstream and it just doesn't work.

STONE COLD DEAD has a lot flaws including the fact that it's just never brave enough to cross the line into a darker territory. The film plays around with various dark elements but it never crosses the line to where the film would be more memorable. It really comes across as a watered down version of something you'd see on 42nd Street and it's anyone's guess why they didn't try to push the envelope further.

What really kills the film though is the fact that there's really not any suspense and none of the characters are all that detailed or interesting. Crenna gives a good performance as he always does and he certainly helps carry the film. Both Paul Williams and Linda Sorensen are good in their supporting parts as well. I will also say that the reveal of the killer is another plus as I certainly didn't see it coming.

STONE COLD DEAD certainly isn't a bad movie but at the same time there's just nothing here to separate it from the dozens of other films out there like it.